J house is a modern 6-bedroom mansion designed for a private family. The house sits on a significantly sloping site with excellent views and Northern light to the rear. Over three levels, the brief included multiple living spaces, gym, theatre, tennis court, swimming pool with spa and a garage for several cars. Enhanced sustainability was a priority. Accordingly, the house features a solar farm on the roof with supply batteries in the basement and utilises insulation, double glazing and water recycling, creating a sizeable energy-efficient home.
Despite being a luxury home, the architectural design demonstrates restraint concerning the appearance of the building. The house was to remain timeless and retain strong resale appeal within the context of the area. The main living areas take advantage of the lush gardens and a northerly aspect while an expansive internal courtyard captures natural daylight and improves the airflow and ambience to its adjacent spaces.
The design is inspired by how Janine wanted to feel in her home. This suited our traditional design approach of pencil sketches.
In our opinion, starting all work by hand produce ideas that are more sensitive. The process is then enhanced through the involvement of different team members, each contributing from their own wealth of experience and specialty. Common sense principles, combined with a clear understanding of the design brief resulted in a home that was practical, sustainable, elegant and timeless. Using all the latest computing technology the WOLF team further developed the design towards permits within just 9 months.
We present a few of the artist impressions created for Janine Allis’s home. The size and proportions must be accurate and true. Further to that the materiality, textures, context and lighting should emulate the final result. Note that even the furniture, curtains, and services are properly considered as they add to the eventual feel of a space, and should not be an afterthought.
Connection to the natural environment is essential towards feeling safe, relaxed and healthy.
Outdoor spaces and landscaping are therefore considered from the onset. One important feature found in many WOLF designs is the internal courtyard. They are particularly effective in larger homes or ones with deep spaces. A courtyard will not only invite natural light but can act as a way to cool the home with fresh air circulation.
In Janine Allis home the courtyard is double heighted and provides natural light, air and beautiful views to multiple spaces. Large glass doors slide away into cavity spaces to allow a complete indoor-outdoor experience. Janine wanted her courtyard to relax and inspire her throughout the day, particularly when she practices Yoga and meditation.
Working as a team from start to finish with a common goal.
Common sense principles, combined with a clear understanding of the design brief resulted in a home that was practical, sustainable, elegant and timeless. Using all the latest computing technology the WOLF team further developed the design towards permits within just 9 months.
Our service involved full coordination with all necessary consultants. Wolf Architects also assisted with finding the right builder to put forth their best proposals. The construction process was a smooth and efficient collaboration between Architect and Contractor. Further to this were various other specialists such as mechanical designers, lighting experts and interior decorators who all had to marry well with the original design intent.
