adaptable hyde park houses by daffonchio + associate architects in south africa

adaptable hyde park houses by daffonchio + associate architects in south africa
images © adam letch
all images courtesy of daffonchio + associate architects

the two houses in hyde park by south african studio daffonchio & associate architects are sustainably designed as flexible volumes that can be transformed to interact directly with the landscape. located in johannesburg, south africa, the first ‘hyde park house’ can easily adapt its layout to the owners’ changing needs, with two skins applied throughout. the sliding glass windows, doors, and timber shutters enable the owners to constantly change the spaces to suit their activities, the weather and time. 

the outdoor spaces are framed by intersecting horizontal volumes

on the ground floor, all of the doors in the living area can slide away, opening the interior to the covered patio and garden. the full length of the northern façade on the first floor has folding, stacking timber shutters that provide shading and privacy for the bedrooms and tv room, but can be left open for extra sun and views.

sliding windows enable the living room to open onto the landscape

the light-filled internal spaces are accentuated by floor to ceiling glass doors and windows with internal pivot doors and cabinetry. a back of house kitchen, scullery and pantry enables the front kitchen in the open plan living area to remain uncluttered, with all appliances and utensils concealed.

the dinning space connects directly to the outside

the use of raw, natural materials such as flamed granite floor tiles, wire brushed white oak and natural stone countertops and mosaics, impart a sense warmth, softness and comfort.

the second ‘hyde-park’ house consists of two wings

the second ‘hyde park house’ is set on a secluded, tranquil plot surrounded by established trees. the main structure consists of 2 wings – one for living and the other for bedroom spaces. both of the volumes have long, low-set roofs that appear to float over and past them, which are supported on external steel posts. all of the walls stop before the ceiling, with windows inserted that allow views of the trees from inside the house, and emit a soft, diffused light into the house during the day.

the sliding doors pulled back

at night, the ceilings are lit up by fluorescent lights that are concealed below the windows, creating a soft, ambient light, and enhancing the floating roof forms. the deep overhangs extend the house into the garden and also provide shade for the summer, protecting the house from heat gain.

view from the green patio space

along the full length of the northern side of the living area is a 16 meter long motorized, frameless glass sliding door. when opened, the door disappears into cavity walls, and the living area effectively becomes an open covered patio, with 2 large sliders on the south side opening onto a secluded courtyard.

the ecopool has been designed to read as part of the garden

the entrance door by south african artist marcus neustetter has a laser cut image of johannesburg’s topography

project info:

architects: daffonchio & associate architects
principal architect: enrico daffonchio
project architect: frances joynt
website: www.daffonchio.co.za
location: hyde park, johannesburg, south africa
photographer: adam letch

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