When highly skilled architects, designers and builders come together to work hand-in-hand with owners who know exactly what they want, dreams come true.
It’s hard not to take a deep breath and say ‘wow’ when you first see this exquisite North Coast dream home. Minimalist, modern and luxurious, it’s simply picture-perfect.
Constructed and designed by the expert teams from Stronghold Build and Neospace Architects, this show-stopping project began with a conversation (during Covid lockdown) between builder Duane Fishwick and the homeowners. “I was working with a client in Simbithi and he referred me to the owners of this project. I called them up and we chatted briefly and, as soon as lockdown was lifted, we met on site,” says Duane, who started his career in the architectural side of the industry, but has since transitioned to construction.
The owners knew exactly what they wanted, which, Duane says, made the whole process flow much easier. “They were well prepared and hands-on with lots of images and references.”
The home, which seems as if it would be as well suited to an exotic island destination as it is to the stunning Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate in Sheffield Beach where it is situated, has five bedrooms (all en-suite), two lounges, two swimming pools and full solar and water back-up.
There is also a double garage, two entertainment areas, a bar, kitchen, scullery and dining area.
Duane loved being able to offer full turnkey services to his clients as the owner of Stronghold Build and a co-owner of Neospace Architects. “I always loved designing and drafting plans, but the real fun and my passion is in the actual building of these structures. I love the process of bringing my visions from plan to reality.”
By offering both design and build services, Duane says he can ensure that what is built is exactly per the design plan, and within the client’s budget. He also offers his building services to projects that have not been designed in-house.For this particular project, Duane worked with professional architect Martin Kluger from Neospace.
“From the first couple of meetings we could tell that the clients knew exactly what they wanted. Martin began the design work and there were minimal changes because we really made sure we followed the design brief. After nine tough months of hard work by myself and my team, the keys were handed over to our very happy and excited clients.”
Without a doubt the most striking and unique aspect about the home are the two large simplistic timber arches that frame the building. “These took a lot of careful planning to ensure they matched the design’s simple, floating, minimalist concept,” he says.
The home’s interior was done entirely by the clients themselves, says Duane, “I just ensured we helped them achieve the look they were going for by using the best materials and tradesmen in the industry.”
Details: Duane Fishwick Stronghold Build, www.strongholdbuild.co.za, [email protected]; @stronghold.build Neospace Architects: @neospace_architects, [email protected], www.neospace.co.za, 032 586 4023
Text: Leah Shone Photographs: Chelsea Maloney, Poppy & Poet, @poppyandpoet
