Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2018 i South African Home Owner

NAZ CONSTRUCTION 082 576 6440 The brief received by Naz Construction was for top-quality finishes, and that is what the client received. A completion time of eight months was achieved. NAZ Construction managed the entire project from commencement to completion. The company was responsible for the complete renovation including all finishes such as carpentry, painting, building, roofing and tiling. “Big open spaces are important to this family, as opposed to smaller, separate areas.” Positioned in an affluent, leafy suburb of Cape Town, this home has been renovated solely with this young family in mind. The renovation itself took nine months and was a smooth process. “It was a typical granny house,” explains the owner. As the owner is an architect, she did most of the redesign herself. “I enjoyed working…

Make your bathroom space look larger with Finestra clear shower screens. www.bathroom.co.za Bathroom lighting can also be stylish. The Bobble ceiling light is designed specifically for use in wet areas, as it is sealed and splash-proof. www.lightingwarehouse.co.za Water and music… the Bluetooth-enabled Kohler Moxie brings music into the shower with an integrated wireless speaker that’s both rechargeable and removable. www.africa.kohler.com Drop for drop… the IB Rubinetterie drop showerhead is made of pure anti-limescale silicone and comes with a valve that limits the maximum flow of water to 10.5 litres per minute. www.lifestyleceramics.co.za With its antique shape and finish, this tumbler is a gorgeous addition to any modern or classic bathroom. www.woolworths.co.za…

IN THE ZONE “When installing new irrigation and sprinkler systems,” says Ryan Ebedes of Grounded Landscaping, “the first step is to test the home’s water pressure and flow, and choose sprinklers and zone layouts accordingly.” Understanding the watering requirements of each plant zone helps to avoid underwatering or overwatering. “Lawn usually requires the most water, while established trees and shrubs need less watering,” explains Pierre le Grange, sales manager for irrigation at Stewarts & Lloyds. According to Craig de Necker, managing director of The Friendly Plant, pop-up sprays are used for low-growing plants and lawns, while risers are installed in plant beds, and where taller shrubs and obstacles obscure sprays. “Mister sprays are used in small or narrow areas that are sheltered from the wind,” he adds. BE WATERWISE “All…

Buying furniture for smaller spaces can be quite a challenge. Flexibility is key, as you will have to use the space you have for a variety of roles. In most cases, smaller interiors will either be mostly open-plan or broken-plan, and defining different areas can be difficult. Open, standing bookshelves are one of the best storage options, based on the fact that they can also be used as a divider to break up an open-plan space. By using them to split areas, you maintain the flow of light and they don’t appear as restricting as solid walls. The best bet is to get these on casters (wheels), which allow you move them around easily, so you are never restricted should you decide to reconfigure the area. Wooden crates are another…

“It’s popular to combine blinds with shutters, even within the same room.” – Karina Palmer Your choice of window treatment can make or break the look of an entire room, so consider carefully whether you’d like bold colours or neutrals, ornate or minimalist, blinds, curtains or shutters. SHUTTERS Reminiscent of American plantation homes, shutter doors and windows enhance the aesthetics of the whole room, and can be opened or closed completely, with the louvres adjusted according to personal preference. They can be used as either window or door coverings, as well as room dividers or to enclose patios and terraces. “Shutters provide protection from the elements, including the sun’s heat and glare, and insulate rooms from the cold by providing an extra layer of warmth and protection,” says Briggie Kirchmann,…

EDYN GARDEN SENSOR For most South Africans, sensors in the garden are usually part of a security system. The Edyn Garden Sensor is a solar-powered probe that keeps an eye on the health of the soil in a potting bed. It keeps track of light, humidity, temperature, soil nutrition and moisture and will let you know whether or not the growing conditions are perfect by cross-referencing your garden with a database of plants. Data syncs via your home Wi-Fi to a smartphone app, and the Edyn sensor can be combined with a smart irrigation system to automatically turn on the sprinklers when they’re needed (and only when they’re needed) too.edyn.com Tip: Once the Edyn Garden Sensor has worked out the growing conditions in your garden, it will recommend plant types…

SENTIAN This sassy little solution mixes up all the elements that make up a strong home security system and puts them altogether in one box. You get clever integration with CCTV and home automation, the ability to detect what triggers an alarm with a 12-second video clip on any device, and the ability to respond appropriately to events when they happen. Say goodbye to standing on Lego with bare feet while trying to peer through the window to see why the alarm went off. Just lie in bed, look at your phone and stay secure. HIKVISION DARKFIGHTER This is an extraordinary home camera solution that provides colour images down to 0.001 lux. For the novice, that is really low light conditions. It is not only an ideal solution for anyone…

You’ll be able to enjoy uniform heating from floor to ceiling with the Piazzetta P158 Pellet Fireplace. This all thanks to its special features, like ducting to adjacent rooms, and night function for completely silent heating. www.calore.co.za Having just launched a range of steel cage formwork for staircases, not only does Steel Studio provide the staircase of your dreams, but a safe and compliant balustrade system to complete the look. www.steelstudio.co.za Not only do Bathroom Butler’s heated towel rails keep your towels warm and fluffy, but they have been proven to help prevent the growth of nasty microbial bacteria on damp towels too. www.bathroombutler.co.za VICOSTONE Quartz is a global pioneer of engineered stone and one of the most durable minerals on Earth. Quartz is stain-, scratch- and microbial-resistant, making it…

Perfectly imperfect in appearance and practical in use, Munnike’s range of black clay ceramics are timeless in their appeal. Which is exactly why the range forms part of Blok Konnect’s Spring ’17 selection. www.blok.co.za/design/konnect It’s easier than ever to keep your beloved AGA cooker in tip-top condition thanks to the brand’s in-house range of eco-friendly cleaning products. www.agaliving.co.za No matter your beverage preference, the Bibo Fizz Bar will add your preferred amount of bubbles to it. This counter-top wonder is also easy to clean and works without the need for batteries or electricity. www.bibo.co.za Handmade in the Netherlands under strict quality control from high-quality, recyclable materials, the Technivorm MoccaMaster is no ordinary filter coffee machine. Brewing your coffee at the optimal temperature and speed, it guarantees a great cup of…

One of summer’s iconic pieces is the Cala Emanuelle chair. Designed by Doshi Levien for Kettal, this update on the traditional Peacock chair boasts a modern aesthetic marked by large natural curves in woven rope. www.marlanteak.co.za Make sure your orchids remain well-hydrated while you enjoy a well-deserved getaway. The Eva Solo self-watering orchid pot has been designed to ensure that the plant receives just the right amount of water. www.yuppiechef.com Graphic lighting always packs a punch. Highlight exposed trusses with the Gregg outdoor suspension lamp by Foscarini. Looking for something subtler? The Amphora floor lamp by Bover will cast a warm, intimate glow. Both available from CRÉMA. www.cremadesign.co.za Tropical prints are 2018’s quintessential style statement. Let your garden spill onto your patio by covering a few scatter cushions with Wild…

Did you know that one of South Africa’s landmark buildings, De Tuynhuys, was constructed using straw bales? This shows that alternative buildings can stand the test of time just as well as more traditional options. The key, according to Alison Groves of WSP Group Africa, lies in proper maintenance. ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS Straw bales are but one of several alternative options available to home owners, Groves continues, along with hempcrete and adobe brick. Meanwhile, Amanda Nortje of Marley Building Systems lists light steel frame systems, along with fibre cement which offers external cladding installed over metal or timber sub-contraction, and which may also be used to build exterior or interior walls, ceilings and floors. Werner Slabbert of Eco Log Homes says timber frame construction is also growing in popularity, thanks to…

Have you ever been in a high-end hotel or lodge and thought, ‘this is exactly how I want my home to look’? Everything, from the soft furnishings and lighting to the walls and floors, just speaks to you, and you would love to replicate it in your own space. Luxury hospitality spots have an interior designer – sometimes a team of them – deciding on the decor, and they’re always on trend. So, you’re looking in the right places for inspiration. FABULOUS FLOORS A beautiful screed floor is often the unique design element in African-style lodges, and these days they are not only flawlessly finished, but can be cast in a range of colours. If you’ve ever visited Leobo Private Reserve in the Waterberg mountains, Matetsi River Lodge in Victoria…

Smart homes are the future, so we’re told. But what about smart gardens? All the clever technology that goes into the remote control and monitoring of our indoor areas is just as applicable to the outdoors – and in many cases has even greater benefits. Take water consumption, for example. No one is quite sure how much of our drinkable water is used for garden irrigation in South Africa, but given our recent history of drought, most agree that it’s too much. Smart sensors that monitor moisture levels in the soil can help ensure that irrigation is used only when necessary, instead of being turned on just because it’s a particular time of day. Getting water levels right is only one part of maintaining a good-looking garden. It’s long been…

Technology has permeated every part of our lives. From the fridge to the phone to the fantastical views found on virtual reality headsets, the home is filled with fabulous technology. For South Africans protecting their homes against unwanted intruders, technology is also delivering some great solutions that won’t just warn you when someone may be on your property, but will allow you to control the technology from anywhere in the world. “One of the biggest trends when it comes to digital home camera security is its integration with smart home automation systems,” explains Rudi Malherbe, of The Modern Group. “These IP (internet protocol) cameras can integrate with most home automation systems, allowing home owners to view their security footage and alerts on the same platforms that they use to manage…

WOODBENDER SETTLES INTO A NEW HOME Woodbender has opened a new showroom in Johannesburg and is now proud to call Parkhurst home. The lively suburb, which is a mecca for couture, interior design and dining, is the perfect fit for the bentwood furniture manufacturer’s new Gauteng showroom. It was previously based in Kramerville. The new location serves as an inspirational space where one can view part of the Woodbender range in a styled home setting. The showroom spans two storeys, with the ground floor comprising the dining and lounge settings. Situated at 15 6th Street in Parkhurst, the new showroom is in a prime location, and has easy parking. Clients are welcome to visit and view the range Mondays to Fridays and Saturday mornings. www.woodbender.co.za NEW HOME FOR SOHO RUGS…

The past few years have seen a dramatic shift to healthier living, as well as a consciousness of the environment. Most of the focus has been on elements such as diet, organic foods, recycling and an increased awareness of how products are made – and where they come from. What is often overlooked however is the importance of a healthy and eco-friendly home. This thinking is shifting though, and in the next few years it will become a focus area for many home owners. Creating a healthy home is not just about the way it is built, but rather what takes place within the space and how the interior is created and maintained. Many factors come into play, and energy and water consumption are two topics on everybody’s mind. Natural…

LINEAR CONCEPTS 011 262 4395 Linear Concepts is run by husband-and-wife team Yakup and Selma Zaifoglu, who draw on their backgrounds in European architecture to inform the company’s contemporary bespoke kitchen and bar design. It was this aesthetic the owner was looking for when the time came to find a practical kitchen space that could also double up as a sleek entertainment area. Linear Concepts more than met the brief, combining grey and white satin finish sprays for the main colourways and contrasting a warm wood veneer with Caesarstone Rugged Concrete on the kitchen island. This wood veneer reappears to frame the tall unit kitchen appliances, creating a statement feature. KABU DESIGN ARCHITECTS 011 475 8598 Kabu Design Architects takes pride in designing architecturally unique, high-end homes that are accessible…

This four-bedroomed home, situated in an exclusive upmarket estate overlooking the beautiful lower Midlands countryside, epitomises a contemporary country lifestyle. The home itself is grand and substantial, comprising an open-plan-style living room, dining room and kitchen, which is equipped with a scullery and pantry that connects to the double garage. It has an enclosed veranda that leads to a braai area and an impressive master en-suite bedroom that sports its own pergola veranda with an outside courtyard shower. A perfectly manicured landscaped garden adds to the lushness of the property. A new build designed by the developer, the house was 90% complete when the owners first viewed it. “We were thrilled with the standard of building and workmanship and everything was to our taste,” says the owner. “It was between…

As the central hub of almost every family home, the space where food is not only prepared, but shared and enjoyed, maintaining a healthy kitchen space is all important. And while ensuring your food is always stored at individual optimum temperatures and your water benefits from an added round of filtration will definitely set you and your family on the right path, choosing energy-efficient, eco-friendly appliances that take less of a toll on our planet is an additional win for all. TAKING CONTROL “Things start at home. In a very literal sense but also in a more philosophical sense. Issues like the environment and personal health are really in our hands at home and so they give us an opportunity to take charge of them,” says GRUNDIG’s marketing manager. “Appliances…

“A five-minute shower uses about a third of the water compared to a bath, so save those long soaks for special occasions.”– Jasmin Kraneveldt The bathroom is where a lot of water is used, so when it comes to making your home eco-friendly, it’s a natural place to start. If you fit your bathroom out cleverly, over time you can save thousands of rand on your utilities bill. You don’t need to overhaul your entire bathroom either. Just substitute some of your existing bathroom fittings with water-efficient and energy-saving alternatives. TAME THE TOILET FLUSH Any modern toilet worth its salt – whether it has an exposed or built-in cistern – should come with a dual-flush mechanism. For a single flush, four litres are used for liquid waste, and for a…

Let your walls do the talking with Rebel Walls’ latest offering, Eclectic Dash – one that includes a dreamy cognac and turquoise-coloured smokescreen, Frozen Moment. www.stleger.co.za There’s no better way to switch up your seating arrangement than with a quick-and-easy scatter cushion swap. It just so happens that Volpes has an amazing range to choose from… www.volpes.co.za Having been given a bold new colour injection of fuchsia and aqua, Gonsenhausers Fine Rugs’ iconic Reloaded collection is more than ready to adorn any floor. www.finerugs.co.za Inspired by the shapes of traditional Moroccan metal vases, willowlamp founder Adam Hoets’s Moroccan Vases petite lamp collection has been created to add the right amount of drama and interest to the smallest space. www.willowlamp.com Made from 100% linen and available in simple, sophisticated colourways, not…

Green doesn’t have to mean the sort of hair-shirt, wood-burning-stove sensibility of the ’70s. Green can and should be chic and modern, says Graydon Carter. Going green is a trending topic. Many associate this with going back to basics, meaning downgrading your lifestyle. But is it really that? Is going green going back to the stone ages? And where our homes are concerned, what does this mean – a hut perhaps? This article will help you transform your home and improve your health – from the bottom up. GOING GREEN: NOW WHAT? Flooring is everything when it comes to the home. There is a lot to consider, like the durability of the floor, maintenance, and how it will work with the rest of the aesthetics of the house as a…

There is one word that will change your life. No, it’s not “chocolate”. It’s “insulation”. Sure, it isn’t the sexiest word on the market, and it isn’t one that is whispered in hushed and excited tones; but it is a word that can transform your home. Say goodbye to sweaty summers on the sofa or freezing days huddled under a pile of blankets. Say goodbye to high electricity bills and poor energy ratings. And say hello to insulation and the ability to keep your home at the perfect temperature all year around. “What’s interesting is that most people think insulation is just the stuff rolled out inside the roof,” says Willem Grove, marketing manager at Coverland. “It is of course the easiest thing to fit as an aftermarket solution for…

The home of the future will look much like the home of today, but appearances will be deceptive if some of the latest announcements out of Silicon Valley are to be believed. Tesla, the company founded by South African-born Elon Musk, has begun installing domestic roof tiles that generate energy from the sun, and companies such as PolySolar are commercialising technology that turns windows into see-through solar panels, and can be used to clad walls too. Some believe that every outside surface of future homes will be used to generate power, without any visible trace. With these exciting new techs just around the corner, should you install solar tech today, or wait for what’s coming? DO IT NOW The market for renewable energy generators at home is dominated by photovoltaic…