Stellenbosch Dual-Unit Home Conversion

Project Overview:

Located in a quiet residential area of Stellenbosch, this project involves the transformation of a 50-year-old villa into two modern, functional dwellings. The original structure spans 550 sqm on a 1,602 sqm property, and the design balances its 1970s heritage with contemporary updates. With a budget of R3-5 million, the renovation will result in a family home for rental and a spacious apartment for the owner’s part-time use, offering adaptable, sustainable living spaces that embrace modern design and technology.

Key Features:

The dual-dwelling layout offers a 350 sqm family home and a 250 sqm apartment, each designed to maximize comfort and functionality. The family home includes three to four bedrooms with practical, open living areas. Meanwhile, the owner’s apartment features a private patio, large art display areas, and is designed to be elderly-friendly, with space allocated for an elevator installation. Both units will benefit from seamless indoor-outdoor connections, enhanced by strategically placed windows and outdoor living spaces.

Design Approach:

The redesign honours the original villa's aesthetic, retaining key elements like the hipped roof and semi-circular driveway while modernizing the façade for a cohesive, streamlined look. The property’s flow will be improved through a shared entrance foyer, providing access to both units. Key architectural adjustments will include aligning windows, simplifying the roof structure, and refining outdoor terraces to restore scenic views of the surrounding mountains.

Sustainability Initiatives:

This renovation prioritizes eco-friendly living, with solar power systems for electricity and water heating, greywater and rainwater harvesting, and the potential integration of a borehole. Modern utilities, smart home features, and solar-powered air conditioning will be incorporated to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability, ensuring the home aligns with contemporary green living standards.

Rendering credit: Jenny Mills Architects