|
In 1998 the developer appointed an architect to define an architectural and environmental theme as to establish and safeguard the appropriate character for this development in lake Michelle. The accepted standards are set out in the design manual ( a copy of this is available from the estate manager. See contact list This development aimed to achieve a consistent standard of high quality, informal domestic construction which is in keeping with the Noordhoek waterfront setting and the Cape environment as a whole. To achieve this, an architectural style was adopted which, although distinctly contemporary, is rooted in a rural South African Colonial Style and utilize the traditional elements of Colonial architecture of the late 18th and 19th century. The elements of the architectural style seen in the existing dwelling areas are as follows: - Strong roof form with low projecting eaves, small gable details and four faceted roofs - Verandah with timber post supports - Shaded terraces and pergolas - Smoot plastered masonry walls or planking - Double storey house solutions to be limited to “Room in the Roof” designs This development consists of 129 plots of which 127 have been built on. The two remaining plots are both privately owned. The current development (Phases 4 -7) The first plots to be transferred to the owners in this development commenced in 2005 and construction of the first houses began in the late 2005. There are 224 plots of which approximately 64 have been built on or in the process of building as at March 2010. In 2001 the developer appointed a panel of leading architects to define the architectural language for this development. They were sent on a research trip to review similar architecture in American coastal towns. As a result they have prepared the Town and Architectural Codes along similar lines, expressing the waterside theme. The Boathouse and the Entrance Village buildings are indicative examples of these Codes. Lake Michelle is one of the last natural wetlands of the Cape Peninsula, and is home of the coastal vegetation, birdlife and many wetland inhabitants. Motivated both by preservation and development, creative thinking gave birth to waterways, rehabilitated islands, walkways/pathways and landscaping, all of which blend into the surrounds of Lake Michelle and Noordhoek. As custodians of our privilege the designs and character of our homes must be carefully planned with due sensitivity to the demands of nature, and each building is to blend as best as possible into this natural world…. The House designs are characterized by: - Double and single storey buildings, depending on individual plots - Dark grey shingle roof - Smooth plaster or planking exterior walls, a specific minimum level of planking is required - Double volume interiors - Specified colour range for exterior walls - The use of balau, or other acceptable hard wood, for pergolas and decking |
