This beautiful home near Ballito was inspired by a classic barn, with a modern twist. We chatted to Jarryd Murray and Julian Mentz of MAP Architects about the design and what it was like working on the project.
With a blend of classic and contemporary design, this home is perfectly suited to its stunning setting on an estate just outside Ballito, surrounded by nature. Designed as a luxury lock-up-and-go holiday house, the space balances comfort with functionality without losing its farm style charm.
FORM MEETS FUNCTION
In coming up with a design concept, Jarryd and Julian wanted to create a home with plenty of storage space, while maintaining the aesthetic of a farm house. The homeowners are outdoorsy and active, and needed ample space for their bikes and ATVs, so half the home is a workshop and storage area. The other half serves as a living space with an open-plan lounge and kitchen, as well as two bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms upstairs. The architects describe the overall look as sleek and modern and agree the home fits in well with the estate’s boutique agricultural setting.
BRINGING THE OUTDOORS IN
In choosing materials, Julian wanted to emphasise the modern barn aesthetic. The main structure consists of steel A-frames set on a rectangular floor plan and clad in corrugated steel sheets. For the living space, large full-height glass curtain walls and sliding doors were used to bring the natural beauty of the surroundings indoors. The sliding doors can be opened on all sides to seamlessly blend the indoor and outdoor spaces.
WORKING WITH THE ENVIRONMENT
The chosen site for the barn presented a challenge: the best views faced west, offering stunning sunsets over the estate’s green hills but also exposing the glass-fronted home to direct sunlight. In a sub-tropical climate, this could turn the house into a hothouse. To address this, the team added a veranda with drop-down blinds on the western side, connecting to the open-plan living room and kitchen. This allows the homeowners to enjoy the valley views without the sun becoming too intrusive.
A SENSE OF CONNECTION
On the side of the barn that serves as the home, the team used glass to fill the entire A-frame structure. This created a spacious area with double volumes in the open-plan living and kitchen spaces. The bedroom lofts are connected to this space, providing a sense of connection between the upper and lower levels. Additionally, the bedrooms open onto a balcony on the northern side, which simultaneously acts as a sunshade for the lower level and a viewing platform for the upper level.
Details: MAP Architects; Shop 21, Ballito Centre, 25 Sandra Road, Ballito; www.mapgroup.co.za; jarryd@mapgroup.co.za; IG: @map_architects_
Photographs: CHRIS ALLAN PHOTO & @Stories_by_Goya_weddings
