location: Leisure Bay KZN South Coast | architecture: Kevin Lloyd of Kevin Lloyd Architects | interior: Cocoon Interior Consulting | photography: Peter Oravecz

This site was originally two adjoining properties with an existing old house requiring attention on the one half. It was due for demolition and a new house planned to be built over both properties. However, the financial feasibility revealed that this was not viable in terms of the return on investment of building a superior holiday home on the lower KZN South Coast. Consequently, the original home was renovated and the architect then proceeded to design a new holiday home on the remaining site of 1 240 square metres; the house size is 495 square metres.

Plus factors on the site were a rolling lawn with wild banana plants, milkwoods and other indigenous shrubs and bushes at the rear. The architect’s brief was to maximise the view opportunities towards the ocean and the main swimming beach. They say: ‘The house name is Infinity, thus intimating the desired
end result.

‘We were asked to place the house as high as possible on the site in order to obtain the best ocean views, and yet take cognisance of privacy required for the living and sleeping spaces. Another consideration was the local prevailing winds and rain with respect to covered and outdoor living areas. Yet other requirements were a lawn area for children to play and for boats, cars, beach buggies etc. to park and turn. Living spaces were to be as large as possible and were to incorporate multifunctions and seaside lifestyle.

‘Our task was to design a family home where friends and relatives spend holidays together and one which would facilitate teenage children. Thus, the home had to be as maintenance free as possible due to the severe corrosion experienced along the coast with holiday homes and their periodic occupation. Requirements were specific as far as materials: face brick, aluminium roof sheeting and aluminium windows and doors. Security, both when occupied and when uninhabited, was a consideration as petty crime does occur in the area.

‘The first task was to remain within the existing local bylaws regarding the new environmental act that states that developments adjacent to the beach / shore must remain within the height restriction controls on a steep site.’

How did the architects approach this exacting brief?

Kevin Lloyd: ‘We had several meetings with the client, both at their home upcountry, on site and with the extended family, to understand their lifestyle and holiday requirements. The site was examined for views, vegetation, privacy and the regulations as to distance from the high water mark, building restriction and ground slope; this determined the driveway positioning and the floor levels that could be achieved.

For the full article see Habitat #258 March / April 2017