July 23 Ballito Umhlanga

Simple
yet striking
They say team work
makes the dream work
. . . and this certainly
seems to have been the
case with the design
and construction of this
beautiful Zululami home.
It may be small, modest and unassuming, but there is
nothing dull or bland about this stylish abode in the
Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate.
Exuding a slightly retro 'Californian beach-house' vibe, there
are countless special touches and details that make the
house both incredibly unique and perfectly suited to the
family that calls it home.
Designed by Paul Nel Architects, the three-bedroom, threebathroom
house was carefully planned and configured to
suit the needs of the outdoorsy and minimalistic family of
four it was intended for.
The home was built by Jemstruct, who completed the
project in just seven months. Owner Matthew Chaplin
believes the reason the build was such a great success
was because everything was 'done right' from the
beginning. “The architect spent time getting to know the
family, finding out intimate details about their lifestyle, and
when he showed them the first draft of the plans, they
were thrilled.”
The owners did their homework as well, says Matthew.
“They had a comprehensive bill of quantities compiled
and got quotes and met with different builders before
deciding to go with us. They were really hands-on and
every time we needed their input, they came straight to
the site and made quick decisions. This helped the process
move quickly and smoothly.”
Despite being surrounded by much larger homes, this
340m² open-plan house stands out because of its unique
finishes and carefully thought-out floor plan.
Located at the end of a cul-de-sac, alongside a green belt,
there is a floating, concrete staircase and striking, white
painted slasto-tiled wall to greet you at the front door and
lead you towards the entrance.
Instead of a typical, long design (with the kitchen, dining
room and lounge all in a row) the house has an L-shape
structure, and the relatively small yet lovely kitchen is
practical and well thought out.
Stunning, polished concrete floors run throughout the
home, and are showcased beautifully in the spacious living
area. The dining room has a built-in bench and long dining
room table that are tucked away to create a wonderful
sense of openness.
Another unique feature (the house is home to two teenage
boys), is the second kids' lounge, situated between the two
boys' bedrooms. The entire section can be closed off with
an oversized glass sliding door, allowing the teens to have
their own space while still being part of the home.
There are a number of other elements that speak to the
family's lifestyle and needs, including an outdoor shower
to rinse off after being on the beach, a store room for
surfboards and bikes (instead of a typical garage) and
even an alcove built specifically to house a piano (for the
musically-inclined son in the family).
In fact, everything about the design resonates with the
minimalistic, less-is-more, slightly quirky ethos of the family
who live there.
“The owners didn't want a big home, but they still
wanted something beautiful that they could be proud
of,” says Matthew. “I think we have managed to give them
that. Every space has a purpose and the interior and
exterior of the home merge perfectly to create a sense of
space and calmness.”
Details: Jemstruct – www.jemstruct.com, @jemstruct_sa,
www.paulnelarchitects.com, @paulnelarchitects
Jemstruct owner and
family man Matthew
July 2023 Get It • Ballito • Umdloti • Umhlanga 29