Construction World October 2017

PROJECTS

OFF-GRID LOG HOME for mountain estate

Designed by Eugene Barnard Architects with engineering input from Hull Consulting Engineers, House du Preez is an elegant, yet robust answer to a client brief that called for a rustic, yet luxurious off-grid home that would not only reflect its surroundings, but be respectful of and sensitive to its environment. Exposed timber roof trusses, which lend vol- ume to the space, were the order of the day, with smoothed plastered interior walls and modern flooring contrasting tastefully with the exterior log profile and combined rustic elements. The home faces eastwards, optimising on orienta- tion and maximising expansive views. Technical specifications Eco Log Homes pays special attention to detail in both quali- ty and execution of both large and small aspects of any build and House du Preez bore no exception. From anchors and insulation, to screws and lighting, all materials were purpose- fully selected to build a structure of the highest quality and a home imbued with integrity. Wall structure House du Preez’s walls were built of timber frame according to SANS (South African National Standards) 10082, using 38 mm x 114 mm S5 strength graded structural timber treat- ed with CCA. All wall structures were sheathed with 8 mm- thick oriented strand board for structural bracing integrity. High quality supports, anchors and tie-downs were used and all fasteners, bolts, rods, screws and nails were electroplated to SABS standards. The 102 mm-thick cavity batt insulation was snugly fitted into the generous wall cavities made possible by timber frame, which will ensure that the house will stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter, resulting in lower energy con- sumption – and associated costs – for the occupants over the lifetime of the structure. As the majority of the exterior is of timber and the prevailing climate is hot and dry, a special timber treatment paint comprising a mixture of oils, insecticide and wax, was applied. Upon application, the oils and insecticide soak into the timber and a thin wax layer is left on the surface, creat- ing a water-resistant barrier. This treatment was opted for, because a sealant would not work under such harsh weather conditions. Located in the pristine Boschhoek Mountain Estate in Nylstroom, House du Preez, an impressive three-bedroom, 400 m 2 bushveld family holiday home, was built using timber frame and log profile cladding, not only to tread lightly on its surroundings, but to pay tribute to the earthy landscape it calls home.

The house’s corner finishes were completed using PAR 110 mm x 25 mm CCA-treated H3 timber and window and door reveals were manufactured from the same. Roofing Outlet pipes were installed on the boxed flat roof section of the house and rusted chains where hung from these to create a natural water feature when it rains. No other gutters or down pipes were installed. A char- coal grey corrugated iron roof was specifically selected to complement the house and blend in with the environment, and the specially rounded corrugated iron towers, housing the staircase and outdoor showers, were primed and painted with a colour specifically matched with the Chromadek roof. High-density polystyrene tongue-and-groove 50 mm boards were used for the ceiling above the rafters. To maintain the rustic appeal of the home, all bolts and plates were dipped in acid to create the rusted appearance required by the architect, who also specified that no fascias or eave ceilings be installed. Flooring Maculata of the Eucalyptus family was used for the flooring, skirting and even kickboards in the kitchen. Maculata has become invasive in South Africa and an eradication programme is under way, which made the choice of floors a particularly thoughtful one and yet another nod to the environmental consideration of the home. A cantilevered floor was specially created for the vaulted study area as a bulkhead was built around the cantilevered joists. A staircase leading up to the study was designed in a half spiral section, which was built using sheet metal and also covered with Maculata flooring. The exterior corrugated cylindrical staircase tower was specially designed and built for this project. Exterior Decking around the pool was extensive and formed an important part of the client brief. Both the surrounds and the house are ideal for leisure time spent in the rustic outdoors, but with the luxury of a swimming pool easily accessible by well-crafted decking underfoot. Railings were made using stainless steel crimps on tensioners fixed to the end posts, a system that gives the client the best possible view through the railings. The specially designed pergola was installed using 38 mm x 114 mm and 38 mm x 76 m CCA-treated purlins spaced 50 mm apart to create the illusion of a solid section, but allowing light to shine through. Polycarbonate sheeting was installed on top of the purlins and two box gutters were specially built to catch rain water, with down pipes between the posts of the support structure. The exterior rounded shower cubicles made for an inter- esting juxtaposition with the otherwise pervasive straight lines of the house. Housing for the exterior shower was

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OCTOBER 2017