Water-Wise Transformation in Urban Context

This thoughtful renovation transformed a neglected ground floor maintenance staff quarters into a vibrant indoor-outdoor living space that responds sensitively to Cape Town's water challenges. Through careful material selection and innovative water management, the project creates an oasis of tranquility while demonstrating responsible environmental stewardship.

Project Highlights

• Indoor-Outdoor Integration: The design removes barriers between interior and exterior spaces, creating a seamless flow of living areas that extend into the garden through timber decking and strategic plantings.

• Permeable Hardscaping: Crushed stone surfaces and permeable paving systems allow rainwater infiltration while providing functional outdoor surfaces, eliminating runoff and recharging groundwater.

• Locally Sourced Materials: The project features gabion walls filled with local stone, and indigenous plantings that celebrate regional character while minimizing carbon footprint.

• Water Conservation System: A comprehensive greywater treatment system captures household water for garden irrigation, supplemented by rainwater harvesting that reduces municipal water dependency by nearly 70%.

• Corten Steel Features: Custom water elements crafted from weathering steel create focal points that develop rich patina over time, requiring no chemical treatments while referencing the region's industrial heritage.