Construction World February 2018

PROJECTS & CONTRACTS

ARCHITECTURAL SYNERGY Pretoria-based Mellet & Human Architects is an award-winning practice which was founded in 2000 by André Mellet and Willem Human. In the intervening years, they have made a name for themselves by designing timeless projects, most notably in the upmarket residential sector.

T he two architects, who studied together and graduated from the University of Pretoria in 1991, know each other’s capabilities and complement each other perfectly. Mellet has an eye for design and is in charge of conceptualisation, design and marketing while Human’s expertise, having studied engineering prior to architecture, is in the field of technical documentation and detailing of designs. “Today we combine our experience in running our office and both of us are personally involved with all projects and consultations with clients; an aspect that clients appreciate,” says Human. After graduating, both gained valuable experience in most fields of architecture prior to setting up their own practice, working for large firms until 1999, when they realised that to further their careers and explore their creative talent, they had to start their own venture. “We were both up for a bit of a challenge when we began, especially after being employed in big firms for nearly 10 years,” explains Mellet. Their efforts have paid off, and projects have been undertaken throughout South Africa, as well as abroad in Mozambique, Florida and Tennessee in the United States, as well as a rural home in Israel. The practice is affiliated to the South African Council for Architects (SACAP), the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA), the Pretoria Institute of Architects (PIA), and is a member of the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA). Notable awards include a PIA Honorable Mention for Architecture in 2011, an SAIA Award of Excellence and Award of Merit in 2012 and the prestigious International Property Award: Best Residential Architecture South Africa in 2013. Influences Three Brazilian architects, Isay Weinfeld, Studio MK27 and Oscar Niemeyer, have had a notable influence on the pair, primarily the simplicity in their designs, bold shapes, architecture which recognises context, the use of climatic influences and their use of colour. “It is maybe not a coincidence that we share the same vision as these Brazilian architects, as South Africa and Brazil are both located in the southern hemisphere, I think that architecturally we share some of the same architectural principles in terms of climate and context,” says Mellet. “Architecture is increasingly becoming more competitive through the use of the internet,” says Human. “Potential clients are also becoming more aware of architecture through social media, so the challenge is to educate clients on the value that can be added to their project by using an architect that is suitable and well qualified.” It is this personal attention which sets the pair apart in what is increasingly becoming a fast-track, bottom-line driven industry as opposed to a client-centric one. “One of our strongpoints is listening to a client’s needs and interpreting them into a design,” says Mellet. “We also try and create a sense of timelessness with our projects, so we do not pay much attention to the architectural trends of today. Ultimately, we want to create something that won’t need a facelift in 10 years’ time.” Over the next 12 months, the architects, who have settled into

Willem Human and André Mellet.

a functional and efficient working relationship, will be busy on the design of an apartment block in Midrand, along with luxury residences in Thohoyandou, Midstream and Pretoria and residential designs for a developer at The Ridge in Pretoria East. “Practicing architecture is exciting and constantly changing with the development of technology and the internet,” conclude the pair. “One is able to compete more on an international level than ever before while the internet has brought global architecture into the office, and it is challenging keeping the creative mind of the architect going.” With a solid portfolio in a variety of sectors, these award-winning architects offer exclusivity with a personal touch, something not common amongst today’s architectural practices.  “Creating good architecture is about solving the challenges accompanying each project successfully, which contributes to the sense of achievement and enjoyment of these designs,” explains Mellet. The following projects, each one different in challenges and client requirements, showcase their talent and diversity. House Walbridge, Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria “Although completed in 2005, this home, commissioned by and American client, is still one of our favourite designs. The brief was to design a modern family house in white utilising the views over the city. It was a dream project where budget was not a big concern and we had free reign to design. Due to the steep site the house is spread over four levels, with the main entrance on the upper street level, leading down to the living areas and guest wing, then the family Mellet & Human Architect’s favourite projects

16

CONSTRUCTION WORLD FEBRUARY 2018