Lap pool

The magnificent site of this substantial alteration was previously occupied by an uninspiring face brick and fibre cement laslappie house in typical South African beach house parlance. Damien Schumann The proximity of the ocean to the south and Kogelberg Biosphere Mountains to the north, together with the existing vegetation and climatic considerations provided the parameters that would ultimately arrange the new house, both in terms of spatial organisation and material expression.  Damien Schumann The bedrooms on the western side of the site, together with some existing vegetation form one edge of a new courtyard, protected from the southeast wind by the existing garage and a new entrance walkway. Damien Schumann The... More

Anaha — “reflection of light” in the Hawaiian language — was designed to capture and reflect the light of the Pacific Ocean as well as the dramatic and ever-changing sky in Honolulu. Set within the Ward Village development, this multi-family residential project is informed by native Hawaiian plants and traditions, paying homage to the natural beauty and history of Honolulu. Anaha is oriented with its long axis perpendicular to the shoreline to preserve sight lines from mauka (mountains in Hawaiian) to makai (sea). At the ground floor, subtle differences in stone finish — from bush-hammered to honed Cremino stone paving — reveal a wave pattern. This paving is mirrored and repeated across the multiple leve... More

Located on one of the few lots in Dallas elevated enough to enjoy a view of the downtown skyline, the five-story Vertical House rises dramatically above the treetops to capture views of the surrounding gardens and the skyline beyond. Characterized by clean lines, sheer glass walls, and sculptural sun shades, this sharply-detailed house offers an intriguing counterpoint to the tropical ambiance of its forest-like setting. The client, an avid collector of exotic plants, wanted a house that would not only maximize views of the site, but also maintain privacy from neighboring properties. In response, the house was conceived as two interlocking, contrasting volumes: one half is transparent and oriented toward views of the... More