Home South Africa – September 2019

eco home

Ecofriendly by design

Apart from recycling bricks to build their house, the couple

also had their home designed by architect Johan Boshoff of

JB Architecture who used passive solar principles to create

natural temperature control in the building.

“This ensures that the home gets as much energy as

possible from the sun in cooler months, while keeping the

sun at bay during warmer months,” explains Johan.

The home is positioned to face north, which allows it to

make the most of the sun and natural light throughout the

year. In the warmer months, roof overhangs ensure that the

interior of the home is protected from the high summer sun.

In winter, when the sun’s angle is lower, its rays reach the

windows beneath the overhangs, warming the cement floors

and brick walls. The warmth absorbed in this way during the

day is then released at night.

“Heavy materials such as concrete and clay brick absorb a

lot of energy from the sun, as do dark-coloured materials

which can also help with heating your home in winter,” says

Johan. He also suggests using energy-efficient glass (such as

double glazed) for windows and installing good quality

insulation for roofs and walls to keep the house cosy. For a

cooler interior in summer, Johan recommends that doors and

windows in open-plan areas be positioned opposite each

other to create natural ventilation.

[A SIMPLE DÉCOR STYLE]^

The home’s interior was decorated mostly with second-hand pieces

sourced online or from second-hand stores and markets. “We really

focused on purchasing locally produced, handmade and recycled

items to contribute to the local economy and to retain a lower

footprint,” Alta says.

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saving on costs, rather than splashing out on luxury buys. “In our

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painted pine. We also held back when it came to décor, apart from

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the neutral shades of the brick,” says Alta.

Stairs

Balcony

Walkway

Balcony

Patio

En suite

Laundry

Bedroom

Bedroom

Bathroom

Bedroom

Study

Lounge

Living

room

Dining

room

Kitchen

Ground floor

First floor