1: THE SITE
The Seaglass is located on what could easily be described as the most unique and commanding site in the area, set on the old water reservoir and thus located at the highest point above the old village and commands 360 degree outstanding views of the entire coastline and the Zimbali forest.
2- THE ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING AND FEATURES
A clean modern design arranged so that all living and bedrooms enjoy glass on 3 sides which ensures plenty of natural light and cross ventilation, and engages one’s connection to nature as the shades of light spread across from sunrise to sunset. This planning also represents an intentional low energy green principle footprint as it has a passive solution to light and ventilation not requiring any mechanical or electrical lighting during the daytime.It is also notable that natural light destroys bacteria, which apart from health benefits is also known to create a subconscious experience that lifts the human spirit.
All rooms are designed with generous proportions facilitating separate spaces for sleeping, lounging and en-suite / dressing areas - each room giving a sense of being a studio on its own.
The entrance hall has a dramatic triple volume atmosphere framed with an industrial staircase on one side and a concrete wall on the other, a walkway bridge above and all focused on an impressionable backdrop scene with a rim flow pool connecting water, ocean and sky.
The garden is designed by a well respected landscaper in the area. Most of the trees and vegetation are local and thus effectively represents a green approach to the vegetation.
The veranda is practically designed with large glazed sliding doors that can roll back back on a beautiful day to connect the entertainment deck with rim flow pool on one side and a wonderful grassed garden courtyard on the other side.
The pool is an impressive 25m x 4m wide fresh water training pool with a rim flow edge running the entire length, which captures and connects water to ocean to sky. The fresh water is not only healthy and green principled without chemicals and creates an environment to see the birds landing on the rim flow for a drink and or swallows flying by to swoop down for a quick drink.
In the rooftop above the main bedroom is a once off private high point of the entire area, commanding 360 degree views and an ideal place to retreat to or entertain. The floor finish and lift up to the roof terrace is still to be installed.
All glazing systems are designed to maximize the size of glass and hence the well known exclusive “mazor” glazing system has been utilized which comes with double rollers, and aluminium sizing that can take double glazing. This system also ensures a high degree of resistance to wind, ensuring a quiet experience on a windy day and the large glass panes retain the sense of being connected to the exterior.
3 GREEN SUSTAINABILITY FEATURES
Aside from the above natural green building principles of natural light and ventilation, the house also includes a stackable off grid system with battery’s, photovoltaic solar panels, two 10Kva inverters. As indicated this is stackable to increase a totally off grid system, but currently caters for 3 hours off grid capability.Rainwater harvesting is captured with 30 000 liters of tank storage to reduce water consumption and accommodate potential municipal water shortages.
The water heating system is an inverter based heat exchange system with a large 3000 litres well insulated storage vessel and circulation pump. This is not only a low energy system but ensures a hot water back up for a day or two should either of the heat pumps require maintenance or the power is for some reason not available.
Materials on the project are by and large sourced and utilized with green principles at the core. The mahogany Timber flooring throughout the house is from a registered green bio fuel project in Mozambique. Most of the walls are glass which is a relatively clean sourcing a production process. The galvanized steel is a product that can be unbolted and repurposed at any point.
Zoning: ROD 6 Classification H4 (dwelling house)
Existing Coverage: 1058m2
Permitted Coverage: 1743m2 50%
Existing FAR: 1142m2
Permitted FAR: 2614m2 75%
