Natural Attraction

Home to a family of four, this contemporary house was designed according to their changing needs.

- Dina Venter

When Patricia and Lawrence Jooste needed a bigger house to accommodate their growing family, they bought another stand in the same estate north of Pretoria. “We love living here, it’s like one big holiday being so close to a dam, and the free-roaming game and bushveld surrounds are a big drawcard,” says Lawrence. After seeing another house on the estate designed by architect Sergio Chinelli, the Joostes approached him to design their new home.

They envisioned a more sociable space than their previous home. “We wanted a single-storey in a horseshoe shape with communal areas in the centre,” explains Patricia. Sergio translated this request into a contemporary design with double volume spaces, exposed wooden trusses, rock cladding, concrete finishes and a seamless flow between indoors and out. His design also included skylights and large windows, to fill the house with natural light.