TO BUILD encourages architects from all provinces to submit their latest house projects for consideration as a project review on our pages. We do this to promote a culture of sharing and learning within the profession. This September’s project comes from Lamlani Maliwa, who is based in the Buffalo City Metro of the Eastern Cape.
Rethinking, reusing and a modern heterogeneous facade
Kwamhlanga is a residence in Mdantsane, East London, a South African suburban township situated 15km from East London and 37km from Qonce in the Eastern Cape. It was initially a four-roomed township house comprising a lounge, kitchen, and two bedrooms sharing a bathroom.
This residence redefines its spatial boundaries on a corner property by minimising its physical and visual access from outside in while maximising its visual appeal and security. From the outside, it presents a modern heterogeneous facade composed of three magical volumes featuring different materials, colours, and textures. Internally, it embraces a biophilic design approach enhanced by free-flowing air, remarkable visual connections between interior and exterior, and a complete transformation of its previous form. This residence provides an astonishing theatrical vision, changing how passersby perceive the residence and the township.
Contrary to the trend of most educated people and professionals moving to suburbs when they achieve better opportunities, the owner decided to build and stay here. This conscious decision was driven by a desire to reduce their carbon footprint by minimising car usage, thereby preserving time and health. This residence allows living and working from within, providing a better opportunity to achieve personal goals without the pressures of external influences such as paying office rent and travel expenses.
The new design was influenced by the four R’s:
- reducing waste;
- rethinking and maximising space usage;
- reusing old items; and
- recycling certain products for new purposes instead of discarding them.
The spaces are arranged into three independent levels, influenced by the natural slope, and divided into three areas defined as public, semi-public, and private spaces. The floor plan includes essential areas such as the double garage with a storeroom, an open-plan living and kitchen, two bedrooms with ensuites, and an entrance lobby with a guest toilet and kitchenette/laundry nearby. It also includes a studio that is sometimes used for dining.
The north-facing courtyard links the double garage and studio/dining area with a visual connection to the kitchen. The centrally positioned open-plan living and kitchen receive natural light through the roof skylight. The original bathroom has been divided into two ensuites for each bedroom, seamlessly connecting to the backyard deck and swimming pool area. This design contrasts sharply with the historical township house design, with cramped living conditions, as it fosters a special relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a more harmonious living environment. It emphasises secure living and aims to enhance the quality of life, providing a sense of dignity and freedom previously denied.
This experience is enriched by the thoughtful interplay of concrete, wood, glass, steel and aluminium materials to create a meticulous aesthetic. This residence is a unique sanctuary where our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs are harmoniously met.
About the designer
Lamlani Maliwa, a principal at Umsi Ka Mhlanga Design Workshop, is a well-rounded, dynamic and vibrant licensed professional who is showing through his architectural work (primarily commercial, industrial and residential) that he has what it takes to transform the profession and the way we think about architecture and design.