BUILDING BUNGALOWS IN CLIFTON: 20 YEARS OF VDMMA WORK

no 96, The Ridge, Clifton. Seen from 3 and a half beach (above left) no 98, Harbour House, Clifton. Seen from across the splash pool (above right)

Clifton, Bakoven and Glenn Beach are HERITAGE PROTECTED areas.

All building work in these areas needs to conform to Survey data and City Council Heritage and Environment Guidelines.

Maximum Development Envelope – a detailed document prescribing the ‘extent’ of new work. New work may not exceed the

envelope, however changes to the envelope are usually necessary to suit the brief, and can be motivated. City of Cape Town ‘exterior’ design guidelines (below) For further information, click on the link below

​The GUIDELINES exist to protect and sustain the NATURE and QUALITY of this unique built and natural environment

The DESIGN PROCESS in Clifton is complex, as with Bakoven and Glenn Beach.

The ‘site’ is both structurally and environmentally sensitive. Environmental Impact and NEMA regulations must be assessed and understood. The ‘waters edge’ is a tough and corrosive environment. The task is also to make the most of the SEASIDE and BEACH HOUSE experience. In meeting the briefs, we work ‘outwards’, as there is flexibility within, whilst simultaneously merging the ‘inside’ with the ‘outside’ and the requirements as legislated. Much of the thinking for the work in Clifton readily applies to the other beach house locations where we have worked.

The guidelines control the extent of the 3D envelope, the finishes and all details for external surrounding spaces including planting, landscaping and natural features.

no 99 (above left), no 29 (above right)

Interior spaces, volumes, details and finishes have far less constraints and restrictions – the design opportunity being the development of the clients brief within the parameters of the maximum development envelope.

no 55 – ‘parasol’ roof structure, interior (above left), no 98 - inverted boat structure, interior (above right)

Cladding materials, details, glazed openings, canopies, colours and roof pitches are prescribed in terms of the "Clifton aesthetic", but materials can include special or unique elements such as Californian Redwood, Cedar shingles, Naboomspruit Sandstone, copper sheeting or maple wood.

We support the protection of Clifton for generations to come.

no 98 - timber cladding and screening systems (above left), no 99 - timber shingle roof and timber cladding (above right)

Map above of Clifton - 12 VDMMA BUNGALOWS: 3 unbuilt and 2 subsequently re constructed over 20 years