Contemporary design (this meaning "of the time") is a crucial anchor of the portfolio. The design approach is fluid. It refers to the more clearly defined "modern". Modern design is a designated time, from the early to the mid-20th century. It's vital for Jenny Mills Architects, earning coveted awards and endorsement from the most discerning publications.
This Fresnaye villa is 1400 square metres of carefully designed luxury living – 4-bedroom home with separate housekeeper’s suite, cinema room, wine cellar and gym. A broadly collaborative design team ran a series of design workshops to define the specifications that would make this landmark home rank with the very best luxury residences Cape Town has to offer; a fully-automated house which feels easy and can be used intuitively, and which combines the best technology and systems.
Despite the overall size of the house, there is a good balance of privacy and connectedness. The double volume stairway looks onto the entry courtyard, the core of the house. A splayed skylight feature brings in reflected light which bounces off the angled planes. The kitchen is well-appointed and versatile. It can function as a “family” at-home cooking experience, or be closed off for formal catering with large sliding doors.
We worked closely with the interior designer to create a feeling of calm and warmth. Timber floors, panelling and cabinetry offset the calm, pale walls and marble floors. A few expertly selected fittings and finishes express the classic modernism of the house.
It is set on a comfortable level lawn with a north-west aspect in this wind-free corner of Fresnaye. A striking L-shaped pool gives way to views of the sea and twinkling city lights. The greenery of the Lions Head backdrop is emphasised by careful perimeter planting; the sense of being surrounded by greenery to create a private sanctuary feel is important to the design team, so the "Green Wall" in the double volume entry is always visible through the house.
Deborah Parkington (Studio Parkington) in collaboration with JMA on the interior design for this project.
Comments from Nik Moroff, Consulting Engineer: "We had the pleasure of working with Jenny Mills Architects on Avenue Fresnaye Villa, Cape Town. The project consisted of a boutique residence, built over three floors with magnificent sea views. The project required a high level of innovation and attention to detail. On such complex projects, it is critical that the professionals work together as a team in order to achieve the desired outcome. Jenny’s professionalism, organizational skills and clear communication with the team members were key in the successful completion of this project. Besides the Avenue Fresnaye Villa, we have also worked with her on a number of other high-end residential projects and have always had the same experience as described above. My experience with Jenny is that she is highly competent and very committed to her craft and is a pleasure to work with. I have no hesitation in recommending her for any project."
Photography: David Ross Photography | Photography Styling: Kate Boswell | In Print features: Habitat March / April 2016 | Online Features: Habitat Jan Feb 1013 Mag Insert
PROJECT MANAGERS
Berman Brothers Group
Property Developers, Client, Contractors, & QS
reception@bermanbros.co.za
021 439 9030
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
Moroff & Kuhne
info@moroff-kuhne.com
021 434 8176
INTERIOR DESIGN
Studio Parkington (Debra Parkington)
info@studioparkington.com
021 434 5425
AUDIO VISUAL
Simpletech
info@simpletech.co.za
021 300 1331
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS
Lewis & De Kroon
info@ldk.co.za
021 423 9090
021 424 7393
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Nicholas Whitehor
hortinic@netactive.co.za
021 791 3951
021 791 3958
082 258 9293
LIGHTING CONSULTANT
PI Design (Greg Segal)
info@pidesign.co.za
greg@pidesign.co.za
021 706 0590
021 706 0594
Located on the slopes of Fresnaye, this project boasts Lion’s Head for a backyard and uninterrupted spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Town’s surroundings.
The project is an alteration and addition to an existing house to convert it into two apartments, each consisting of two storeys. The top apartment includes a living and dining area on the fourth floor which opens onto a cantilevered pool and deck supported by impressive concrete columns. The result is the experience of being in an endless pool of water as one relaxes and enjoys the vast ocean views. A strong intangible connection between the viewer and what lies beyond is created. Although the apartments are housed in the same structure, they possess unique and contrasting interiors.
In Print features: Habitat November / December 2016 | Online Features - Jan Feb 2013 Mag Feature Nov Dec 2016 | Photography: Adam Letch, some exteriors by Rob Mills | Furnishing / Styling for Photoshoot by Roche Bobois Cape Town
QUANTITY SURVEYORS
Heinrich Beer
info@hbqs.co.za
021 424 3711
LAND SURVEYER
Ben Langbridge
benlangbridge@iafrica.com
021 783 5878
082 772 3957
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
ADA Consulting Engineers
adact@iafrica.com
021 790 1097
MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Jo Lubbe & Associates
jo@jolubbe.co.za
021 685 5566
CONTRACTOR
Hardman Construction
ian@hardmanconstruction.co.za
079 079 6468
PROJECT MANAGER
Martin de Waal
INTERIORS
Apax Design (Rudolph Jordaan)
info@apaxdesign.co.za
066 307 1952
On the spectacular shores of the Atlantic overlooking rock pools our client wanted a new home built to “weather like a ship”. The brief was to take into account the harsh climate. This is a key question we work with when designing in Cape Town: How does one design buildings able to withstand our coastal conditions?
The result is an enduring structure. The aesthetic direction reveals a modern classic with clean lines. It is a reasoned and consistent design. Timeless but warm and neutral finishes allow the home to blend in, rather than be a statement or landmark. It is a balanced and practical family holiday home and accommodates large family gatherings with options for interactions in different areas of varied space and size.
The open plan living dining and kitchen spaces on the main living level live directly onto ocean views. There is a seamless connection of spaces indoor and outdoor throughout the house. The architect designed custom cabinetry combines functional practicality and an integrated neutral aesthetic and compliments the imported Italian kitchen by Assirelli. Roche Bobois furnishing and Mae carpets perfectly complete the picture.
To control the glare of western light off the sea careful planning ensures layers of shutters and blinds don’t interfere with sea views. The rooftop pool epitomises penthouse living. This Cape outdoor living space takes advantage of the gorgeous coastal sun with a purpose designed external weatherproof kitchen and braai.
The importance of the functional design that has been considered throughout the house is most evident in the excavated lower level. The lift and staircase lobby is one of three light wells positioned to introduce natural light and ventilation. As a result, there is an airy feeling and comfortable light levels when moving around the house on all levels. The essence of this Atlantic Seaboard home featured in Habitat “Choice revival” Jan-Feb 2018 is captured in the cover photograph by Adam Letch.
In Print feature: Habitat January / February 2018 | Online Features: Jan Feb 2018 Feature | Photography: Adam Letch | Photography Styling: Kate Boswell
QUANTITY SURVEYOR
Heinrich Beer
info@hbqs.co.za
021 424 3711
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
De Villiers Sheard Consulting Engineers (DEVS)
devs@devs.co.za
021 689 2377
021 689 1234
CONSULTANT
Core Geotechnical
admin@coregeotech.co.za
021 671 4280
021 671 4277
Consulting Environmentalists (ECO)
Ecosense
021 886 4056
CONTRACTORS
Innes Projects
john@innesprojects.co.za
021 761 9333
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS
DSV Consulting Engineers
consult@dsv.co.za
021 551 4303
021 551 6814
MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Jo Lubbe
jo@jolubbe.co.za
021 685 5566
LAND SURVEYOR
Cape Geomatics
valentia@capegeomatics.co.za
021 686 8407
LAND SURVEYOR
Trevor StandeR
trevorstander@gmail.com
083 261 8516
RATIONAL DESIGN
Greenplan Consultants
info@greenplan.co.za
021 882 8261
Set on the Fresnaye slopes of Lion’s Head, this house has a strong visible presence as one approaches along Ocean View Drive. Powerful organic shapes and strong rock formations dominate. The feeling of the mountain shapes and the curve of the coastline were part of the inspiration for the shapes of the house. The existing house had to be reworked to synthesise and harmonise its shapes.
The original house had no direct link with the mountain: the opportunity to have these special views as well as access from Head Road, created the case for re-modeling the entire entrance. This enabled the new penthouse - and indeed the rest of the house - to open up to the mountain and its spectacular views.
The original top level had severe structural constraints and had to be demolished. With careful planning, the existing shapes of the house were worked into a sculptural new façade that sits in harmony with the natural environment. The clients both love an open feeling and wanted the entrance off Head Road to feel open and inviting.
The penthouse living area has proven to be highly successful. It is a space the clients particularly enjoy. This living area is a seamless structure with limited slender supports and wide glass sliding doors, completely integrating it with the outstanding views. When the doors are open, the boundaries between interior and exterior disappear.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
Moroff & Kuhne
info@m-k.co.za
021 434 8176
021 434 8178
083 226 1057
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Lewis & De Kroon
info@ldk.co.za
021 423 9090
021 424 7393
QUANTITY SURVEYOR
Mahlati Liebetrau
ctn@mlqs.co.za
021 461 5656
021 461 5644
082 578 6700
CONTRACTOR
Metric Group – Rick Formenti
info@metricgroup.co.za
021 433 2282
086 670 6541
LAND SURVEYOR
Ben Langbridge
benlangbridge@iafrica.com
021 783 5878
082 772 3957
Situated in Welgedacht Estate, the project involves alterations and additions to an existing house.Carefully chosen exterior walls were retained while the interior space was completely redesigned to meet the client’s needs.The new structure blends seamlessly into the landscape through the integration of terraced steps. A contemporary feel is accomplished through the use of luxury finishes.
There is a strong connection between the exterior and interior spaces as the outdoor living space comprising pool and braai has been well integrated into the living area.
Comments from Clients: "Our experience with Jenny Mills architects were exceptional and an absolute joy from the start. The company has an intuitive approach to design and aesthetic which is unrivaled. Attention was given to the finest detail throughout our residential build and every meeting with the architect was conducted highly professionally and efficiently. A wide variety of finishes were offered, keeping track of financial constraints but also ensuring a cohesive and satisfying overall look and feel. Jenny and her team managed to keep total control during the building phase and any problems that arose was dealt with immediately. Now that we have lived in our JMA designed house for a while I can testify that a superior and beautiful living space was created. The house has a comfortable flow and encourages easy living while we make use of every square meter. Our JMA designed house constantly attracts attention, both for its design and flow as well as its beautiful aesthetic. We will gladly recommend JMA architects to any prospective client.".
In Print feature: Plascon Spaces – Summer 2016 / 2017 | Photography: David Ross Photography | Photography Styling: Kate Boswell
TOWN PLANNER
Tim Spencer Town Planning CC
info@tsplanning.co.za
021 701 4076 (T)
021 702 3150 (F)
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
A19 Consulting Engineers
info@a19.co.za
021 851 6519 (T)
RATIONAL DESIGN
Greenplan Consultants
info@greenplan.co.za
021 882 8261 (T)
MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Jo Lubbe & Associates
jo@jolubbe.co.za
021 685 5566 (T)
QUANTITY SURVEYOR
De Leeuw Group
ct@deleeuw.co.za
021 887 1334 (T)
LAND SURVEYOR
Bruwer Surveyors
jaco@bruwersurveyors.co.za
021 975 1677 (T)