The Modern Barn 2.0

A bold, yet humble, adaptive reuse project in Durban North.

  • Our second residential project for the same Durban North family, the "Modern Barn 2.0" has a similar generating idea: the reconfiguration of a radically altered house. Using the existing footprint, the layout has been clarified into two wings separated by an entrance axis. To the north, bedrooms and associated bathrooms, and to the south a living wing extending east and west onto entertainment and relaxing areas.

    The lightweight first floor and roof were demolished and replaced by parallel double-pitched roofs that echo the functional split inside. These forms are separated by the entrance staircase which is encased in a light- and air filled jali screen that lights up like a lantern at night and contributes positively to the fairly humble streetscape.

    Learning from the neighbouring predecessor, a greater emphasis was placed on spatial dynamics and form-making, and this resulted in a more generous engagement with the site and its surroundings. The front deck over the existing garage enjoys views of the sea, and the rear deck reaches out to afternoon sun and the back garden, where the existing pool has been converted to a water-harvesting tank and covered with low maintenance astroturf for a level play area.

    Materials and detailing are also more playfully juxtaposed. Smooth and textured wall surfaces activate sunlight and contrast with delicate constructive details in painted steel and timber slats.

  • “Thank you for being a spectacular architect. As always, you have been fantastic and have been a pleasure to work with. Your support and commitment to us and this behemoth of a project is so appreciated. Your ability to turn s#*t into sugar is commendable and it could not have been done to such excellent quality without you. The end result is better than we could have imagined.

                     We have been blessed to have been able to work with you on two projects now and both of them have been relatively effortless thanks to you. We could not be more pleased with how things have turned out on both sites and we have only benefited from your ability to develop and explore new ideas and of course your professional opinion. Thank you for making it so effortless for us.” - Client

  • Location : Durban North, Durban

    Interior design : Hector and Bailey

    Contractor : Timcon pty ltd

    Photography : Michelle Reynolds

    Awards Jury citation :

    ‍ ‍ “It is a delight to ascend through a sun dappled bris-soleil stairway to a sea-facing living area extending from the Indian ocean horizon to the lush sub-tropical garden.

    The generous seating steps from the kitchen to the garden provide not only a perfect opportunity for conversation between the chef and others, but a perfect eating place with magnificent sea views.”

Recognition certificate from the South African Institute of Architects awarded to Shelley and Jared McLean for architecture at 191 High Ridge Road, Durban North, sponsored by Corobrik.
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