House Marchussen

Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal
Project Duration: 9 Months
Architect: Peter Oravecz of Kevin Lloyd Architects

This project is within the prestigious Hawaan Forest Estate, which presented us with a unique set of challenges. Nestled in a panhandle and surrounded by the natural beauty of the estate, the site’s limited accessibility and lack of space for material storage demanded innovative solutions and meticulous planning.

About this Project

This was no ordinary project; it involved significant alterations, including demolition, constructing a new addition, and adding a double-storey section to a home originally topped with a concrete flat roof. The complexity was heightened by the fact that the homeowners were residing in the property throughout the renovation. Our primary goal, amidst the unpredictable weather, including rain and floods, was to ensure the interior, especially the exquisite kitchen, remained dry and undamaged. This was crucial, particularly as we approached the final stages and the installation of the wooden flooring, which required precise conditions to lay correctly.
The engineering aspect brought its own set of hurdles. The necessity for a new foundation in such a tight space meant we couldn’t use traditional piling rigs. Instead, we resorted to hand-augering to depths of 12-14 meters, a labour-intensive process that took a month to complete. Moreover, the logistical challenge of delivering concrete to the site was overcome by manoeuvring the largest boom pump available through the narrow confines of the estates and successfully pouring concrete over the home’s roof and into the construction area at the rear—a feat in itself.
This project, though fraught with challenges, stands as a testament to our team’s resilience, creativity, and commitment to excellence. We’re proud to hang our hat on the successful completion of such a demanding renovation, transforming constraints into a beautifully finished home that harmonises with its forested surroundings. I’ll be sharing photos soon to showcase the remarkable outcome of this endeavour.

Before & After

Hover over the images below (or click on mobile) to view the transformation.