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  • SA Garden and Home

    MAKEOVER magic

    Feb 17, 2020 6 minutes
    TEXT ANNE SCHAUFFER TEXT MARIANNE MCDONALD TEXT NATALIE BORUVKA TEXT NATALIE BORUVKA TEXT CANDICE BOTHA

    RETAINING A LIFESTYLE

    Establishing a level entertaining area off this Durban home took vision and ingenuity

    THE PROBLEM

    Like so many of Durban’s old houses, André Church and her husband Andrew’s 1930’s home was designed to capitalise on the sea views and breezes, to the detriment of outdoor living. The garden and swimming pool were on a much higher level than the house and the only access was up a steep flight of steps. “It was such an effort to get up there, we seldom used them,” recalls Andrew. In addition, the retaining wall was a mere 1,5m from the house, making it very dark.

    THE SOLUTION

    The couple approached architect David Nelson of Bloc Architects. Together, they decided that the best approach would be to push back the retaining wall. This would create a level area off the TV room and let in much-needed natural light.

    “As there was a cottage

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