Homes & Styles Magazine March/April 2021

ISSUE 56

INTERNATIONAL

MAGAZINE

DIGITAL EDITION

7 14 CLEVER
DIY
How to Plan Your DIY- House Eggers IDEAS
Space
INSIDE

48

Mbano Manor Hotel
Victoria Falls





48 H&S MAGAZINE

TABLE OF
CONTENTS

How To Plan Your Space• P. 7

DIY- House Eggers • P. 14
Kitchen DIY. • P31
Paving DIY. • P31

Granite : Not Just Countertops • P. 23

Meet the Artist : Josh Chaps• P. 38

40 The Open House• P. 40
Property News : Shamva• P. 46

Mbano Manor Hotel• P. 48
In the Kitchen with Chef Melord•

P. 48

23 38 PUBLISHER
Exclusive Media (Pvt) Ltd
EDITOR'S UK Distribution by Homes & Styles Magazine
Newsstand Magazine - www.newsstand.co.uk UK
NOTE office contacts -Agnes Zengeya on
email:[email protected]
Welcome to our DIY issue packed with step-by-step projects. This Do
MANAGING EDITOR ShaanaPuwai
It Yourself issue is your go-to guide to personalizing your home in this season. OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE Takunda Rusere
Find inspiration and instructions for home decor projects and outdoor living.
This special issue offers the perfect guide for breathing new life in your home. SALES & MARKETING EXECUTIVE
Tinotenda Chiri
As you know Homes & Styles is all about inspiration and in this issue we
continue with our architectural series ‘The Making of A Home’ were Benedict DIGITAL MARKETING H&S Media
Kunaka our resident contributor offers great architectural advice on building a CONTRIBUTORS
home.
Michael Nott | Nicola Holden
We also speak to Josh Chaps an afro-abstract expressionist, about the Tinotenda Chiri | Epsilonarch | IDG
journey he took to make his works stunning.
PHOTOGRAPHERS
For travel enthusiasts check out our architectural tourism section where we H&S Media | Mark Halberg
feature Mbano Manor Hotel, a hidden gem in the Victoria Falls. The stunning
pictures of this resort will get you to add them to your bucket list. DESIGN & LAYOUT
Taku Rusere
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Magazine
Website:www.homesnstyles.com

Cover Image Coutersy of Mbano Manor Hotel

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Moonlight

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 11

H&S DIY

HOW TO PLAN playing board games, or curling up
YOUR SPACE somewhere to read a book or listen to
LIKE A PRO music? Does the space need to be
multi-functional? And does it also
BY NICOLA HOLDEN double up as a play space for the kids?

I’m sure that, like most things in life, YOU NEED TO
there is more than one way to plan KNOW WHO WILL
your room scheme, but today I am BE USING THE
going to share with you the approach SPACE
that I have honed through many years
of experience. Next you need to know who will be using
the space? What ages, are there any
Once you’ve decided which room you’d health issues to consider? And what time
like to design, the first thing to work of day will the room be used the most? Is
out is what that room will be used for, it a space used mostly during the day or
i.e. what tasks will be carried out in the evenings, or all the time?
within the space. If it’s a living room,
will it be used for entertaining,
watching TV,

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 7

H&S DIY Think about how you move around the space.
Imagine walking in through every door,
Once you know what and who you are crossing the room and sitting down on the sofa.
designing for, then you can decide on what Does it feel easy in your mind, or do you keep
items of furniture will be required. How many bashing your ankles on that coffee table that is
people will you require seating for? Do you in the way? Remember that you must allow for
need to create a quiet reading corner? Do you doors, windows and drawers to be opened.
need lots of storage for toys? Or books? Are
there any furniture items or art collections It is also important to find the balance between
that need to be worked into the new plan? positive and negative space to make the room
feel right – not too busy, not too boring. And in
Once you’ve decided on what furniture you large or long spaces, sub-divide different
need, then you can start thinking about the activity zones to give definition to each part of
layout of the furniture. What is the focal point the room. Take some time to think about the
in the space? Is it the TV, an ornate fireplace proportions of the room in comparison to the
or a window with a spectacular view? scale of what you are adding to make sure
things don’t overwhelm the space, nor get lost.
Draw the space to scale on a piece of paper.
Include windows, doors and their swings, Once you are happy with your layout, add in
built-in cupboards/shelves, fireplace, etc. You any design details such as art, rugs, etc to
want to be able to see all the fixtures and complete your design. And finally, now that you
features on the plan. Create scaled paper cut- know your furniture layouts, the position of
outs for each piece of furniture, and then start artwork, and the tasks that will be carried out in
placing these scaled pieces of furniture onto each space, you can plan your lighting
your space plan. This will start to bring the accordingly. Only once you have finalised all
space to life and show you how the room can your plans is it time to talk to any builders or
be used decorators.

Move the pieces around to help you to think The devil really is in the detail when it comes to
differently about the space and see what planning a space that works, which is why most
effect it has on the room. people turn to a professional for help to get it
right.Happy planning!

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 8



H&S DIY

6 WAYS TO BRIGHTEN
A ROOM

BY JOYLINE ZINDAGA

Figuring out how you can brighten a dark 2. Paint it……white!
space is sometimes a challenge. This is If your space has dark coloured paint, the
especially true if the room is void of large colour could be giving it an overall dark feel.
windows to allow natural light in. If you Paint can transform a room or space. Try
yearn for a bright, happy space, then you’ll white paint to brighten up the space and see
love these 8 awesome tips about how amazing a can of white paint can do for
brightening up your home. your decor! White sends light bouncing
around your space, reflecting back onto
other surfaces and making the space look
much bigger than it really is. If you feel that
white is just too boring, try a light grey or
consider adding ornamental trims on the
ceilings for added texture or paint one side
with a refreshing colour for some diversity

1. Bright, white bulbs
Replace any yellow light bulbs with one
ones. This makes an amazing difference
for minimal cost and effort, with the white
light glowing brighter and reaching
further into your rooms. Try adding a
table lamp to your decor to add a bit more
brightness!

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 10

H&S INTERIORS
H&S DIY

3. Use white or light-coloured furniture.
Use light coloured furniture rather than dark
coloured. We usually choose our sofas, chairs
and tables based on our personal style and
what we think goes best together. That said,
always consider how your furniture decisions
impact the lighting level of your home. A large
black or coffee sofa or table or TV stand looks
classy but is probably not the best idea in a
small space! A stylish, compact sofa in a lighter
color like white, ivory or beige will make your
space look and feel a lot bigger and more
spacious. If you have dark wooden floors or
tiles, then adding an off-white rug can do
wonders.

4. Use sheer or white curtains. 5. Add mirrors.
Simplify your window treatments by opting for Try adding a large mirror into a dark room to give
light curtains, light beige or grey curtains. Trade it more space and light. Mirrors are incredibly
dark coloured and heavy curtains for sheer, white handy in decor. They make a space appear larger
or light coloured ones. Wow, what a difference thereby opening up your room’s space. They also
that simple change will make! reflect any light coming into the room, especially
if placed across from light sources such as
windows. Placing table lamps or a floor lamp next
to a mirror can also have a similar effect.

6. Stay Clutter free
Less is more! Too much junk crowds a room and
makes it feel dark and small Keep your home tidy,
and stay clutter-free by ensuring everything has
its place.

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 11

H&S INTERIORS

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H&S HOME FEATURE

HOUSE EGGERS - CAPE TOWN

By International Slab Africa

When renovating your home it is always ideal to see the Eggers’ kitchen is positioned front of house,
your vision in application. We looked to Rudi and acting as the prop that brings all the elements
Lynn Eggers gorgeous family home for inspiration, together.
which is situated in Franschhoek’s Val de Vie Estate
No longer a space for merely cooking, this
From the moment you open the front door, the kitchen was designed with functionality in mind
beautifully considered interiors draw you in. With and also caters for entertaining, catch-ups and
large glass windows throughout, the home is filled even a working space if need be.
with natural light. Their goal was to welcome the
outdoors in and incorporate interesting snaps of Apart from increasing the value of your
colour and deep textures on a grey-toned property, installing Caesarstone into your home
foundation. With an incredibly clever selection, each is the perfect choice for hardworking spaces as
area is anchored by a signature piece that dictates it is non-porous and incredibly durable, making
the style, making the space unique. Elements of the kitchen an obvious area to incorporate it.
high-glamour are offset by a pared-back elegance The Sleek Concrete Caesarstone was used with
that reflects the couples personal style and a combination of crisp white cupboards on the
charisma. island and warm natural wood finishes on the
other doors.
With fully-integrated appliances and a free-standing
island cladded in Sleek Concrete Caesarstone, HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 14

H&S HOME FEATURE

Their taste in, and support of, local art is also The bathroom, as it is known today, is best viewed

reflected throughout the home. Hanging as a sanctuary. A place curated for personal well

authoritatively in the various parts of the home are being, where you can escape and revive. In this

vibrant paintings and large photographic prints. But instance, the four bathrooms each hold pride of

it is not just the art that adorns the walls that offer place. With all flooring in Sleek Concrete

exquisite talking points... On entering the home you Caesarstone, the walls in the luxurious guest

are met by an unmissable floor to ceiling wine rack bathroom are cladded in a total of 12 Frosty Carrina

(also cladded in Sleek Concrete Caesarstone), Caesarstone slabs. The other 3 bathrooms have wall-

followed by a jaw-dropping book-ended Panda cladding in decadent Bianco Ciello marble from

marble by Rudi’s Choice natural stone, that occupies Vietnam, also supplied by Rudi’s Choice. The vanities

the wall behind the fire place. A statement raw wood in the main bathroom, as well as the wall paneling in

server welcomes you into the upstairs living area; the guest toilet are cladded in Snow White

Guiding you upstairs is a dramatic cascading Caesarstone 2141.

chandelier and grey textured wallpaper.

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 15

H&S HOME FEATURE

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 16

H&S HOME FEATURE

With a passion for natural and engineered stone, the
couple marble and Caesarstone flawlessly in various other
applications too. Even in the bedroom, innovative side
tables are cladded in popular Rugged Concrete
Caesarstone, which imitate the natural textures and
movement of concrete.

With a lovely juxtaposition of engineered stone, natural
elements and the mix of colours on grey foundations, this
light-filled home has a grounded, contemporary-chic
feeling to it. With a large family and a love for entertaining,
the open-plan design ensures that this home will always
be able to welcome guests and good times.

In Zimbabwe Caesarstone and Rudi’s Choice natural stone
is exclusively available by Slab Sales Africa. Contact them
today for a quote!

www.slabsalesafrica.com HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 17
Cnr Loreley Close & Loreley Crescent, Msasa, Harare
024 244 6226 | +263 77 513 7942
[email protected]





H&S INTERIORS .

TRENDING

Fabric trends
2021 –
the colors,
patterns and
materials to
use now

We showcase one of the 2021
fabric trends, which celebrate
raw materials, organic textures

and crafts

The 2021 fabric trends sees an abundance of
colorful blooms in the form of beautiful,
smaller scale contemporary florals.

New fabric designs feature a variety of
flowers perfectly captured in spontaneous,
fluid brush strokes. With design inspiration
more accessible than ever before, we’re
seeing homeowner’s tastes evolve and
become braver.

As we evolve in 2021, this more confident
approach to interiors has encouraged a step
away from safe, muted tones of the past, in
favour of expressionist trends that feature
graphic prints and rich color palettes.

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 20

H&S INTERIORS

TRENDS

TREN In the spirit of bringing the outside in, One tip on pattern: if you’re just
DING patterns that give you the feeling of looking for a pop of eye-catching
being surrounded by nature will pattern, and want to adorn the
dominate in 2021. The beautiful thing is rest of your nature-inspired
that this can be interpreted to fit just sanctuary with solid neutrals, a
about any design style. If you’re going crisp beige linen offers the organic
for a feeling of luxe, there’s no better feeling of the outdoors that serves
pattern than the iconic banana palm. If as a perfect complementary
you’re designing a more traditional, backdrop to any of the patterns
creative space, opt for a printed named above.
chinoiserie or traditional floral, like the
chintz highlighted above. For a bold Be inspired: Check HTC Fabrics
botanical like banana palm with a little in Newlands, Harare for many
more variation will look great in your inspirations on pattern design.
space.

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 21

H&S ARCHITECTURAL INSPIRATION

FABRICS

DREAM> CREATE> LIVE

Let us help you with all your fabric needs. Free instore colour consultants available.

SPECIALISTS IN UPHOLSTERY,
CURTAINING AND FASHION FABRICS

CONTACT DETAILS:
Newlands Shopping Centre, Newlands, Harare

Tel: 078 797 6964
email: [email protected]

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 14

H&S INTERIORS

NOT JUST COUNTERTOPS: HOW
GRANITE CAN BE USED IN OTHER

PLACES (AND IN DIFFERENT
WAYS)

Choosing the perfect bridesmaids' dresses, whilst avoiding sartorial-related fights, can
seem like a mammoth task. How do you ensure everybody (including you!) is satisfied with
their options, without feeling like any of your friendships have been compromised in the

process?

WChhoaitceMIankHeosmGeraInnitteeriAonrsE…xcellent ucteanmndeparelsgroaretbuaertegpsor.eoHsdesmnucraeete,agrniradalnafitotrehaigh dntoeoeekdseneis’pttibtorcewlaeipkaeneaiatsnwidlyitsahpnaadrdkaallilmnygpo.ucloth
asG1pp.rapaLnceeieantredlaoshnoacakseuluatnmhpiaqiontuloimesuhaasekp.dep,sesathhli:ney dining table or any other table.
acG2jeunas.rsabdpHtnieyhnfictgoeeiernitaesclcilsnyeoairuncsiesnd:ostiikfdesoierttrtcaaoklhnpifettsocntrhboiaseubnlntaay,ancarldtsonesoodr.mifnao,ort dfOgg4euosrrul.neaarirMeenmnnagviiboiettgeifeegnlhritrtt.ihtahnysyane.yisiAnstbothneyeuriyosrgfoouithhntrroeagsdhmdmtaiovrfenemmfaednwneargtidedlatilsunehgltratefaahsrsnbotadomltef: esG6aloc.rsaopAonhndiliotedsemntsidnicvcsoaavttalaeuocldenulaleltyosoooesfykyn.oyhaouanurndrchheoosmmtehe:ebut
rB3ee.sHinisegtaaht-enraaettsuairssatliatsnhttoa:nseb,egernanfiotremceadn 5wiYto.iotEuhracomsauyantkmwhinaoagnrirndiytlteidenunigtsaartnobycuoaegun:htdlbydreiratyk.inItg gaTtdwcmorhoriafaeailfjysnonueasyuisirtsfrettaeseonndawcitoveskatapnsinhtnahauacbttalglrhate.ngdeegGceurnteersnsosactseyn,riodooewaiutunsnihennrsidystchaeotilooti.rnvmsmtmWaohireretiopaits’eg?nwshtrigHnvyaseeinoosorifutefeal
appeal.

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 23

H&S INTERIORS

Different Ways In
Which Granite Can
Be Used In Your
Home!

1. 1. Kitchen backsplash:
2 Even if you already have a granite
3 countertop, you can go ahead and use the
same stone for the backsplash as well. It
will not only save money and time but also
lend an appealing visual continuity. Being
strong, heat-resistant and attractive,
granite is the perfect choice for a classy
kitchen backsplash.

2. Dining table:
Add dynamism and uniqueness to your
dining area by having a granite dining
table. You can use it in many ways such as
using just one slab or incorporating
several slabs. Granite dining tables are
functional as well because being heat-
resistant, you can place hot pots and
utensils directly on the tabletop. It is also
quite strong and hence, just the right
material for a dining table.

3. Flooring:
Granite is an apt material for flooring
because of its strength and durability. Its
surface or colour will not even fade with
time. It also lends splendour and beauty to
your home. It is bacteria-resistant and
thus suitable for families with allergy
problems. Though most granite floors are
made from a single type for a seamless
look, you can even create a patterned floor
with granite by installing contrasting
coloured granite stones. A floor plan with
stripes on the boundary with a
complementary colour is also a popular
option.

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 24



H&S ARCHITECTURAL INSPIRATION

HH OO MM EE SS && SS TT YY LL EE SS MM AA GG AA ZZ II NN EE || 22 26

H&S ARCHITECTURAL INSPIRATION

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 27

H&S ARCHITECTURAL INSPIRATION

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 28

H&S ARCHITECTURAL INSPIRATION

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 29



H&S DIY

BY AMARI CONCEPTS

A KITCHEN DIY

A BUDGET
FRIENDLY DIY

Doing a whole kitchen makeover can change your day to day
life, quite literally. It can also drain your bank account.
Fortunately, if you take it one project at a time, you can break
the budget down for each DIY project and in a short time have
a completely new kitchen!

A friend of ours recently acquired her lifelong dream stove, a large colonial stove unit, complete with an
electric and gas functions. An impressive appliance as its width is over a metre and features 4 ovens.
Knowing us as serious DIYers she commissioned to transform her space on a budget. The challenge was
making her stove work in her old off-white Mount Pleasent kitchen. As it was her new appliance stood
out like a sore thumb.

What she needed was a quick makeover that didn’t didn’t cost an arm and a leg. MAYBE something that
was under a $100 and could be done in a day. To add to that she had an old Table of sentimental value in
her kitchen that she wanted to use as an island and hopefully keep that also within the budget. She was
thinking a rustic / farmhouse colonial feel that complimented her emerald green stove but wasn’t also
too dark.

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 31

H&S DIY

THE IDEAS.

So with a tight budget of a $100 we set out to find to find some solutions. We figured we would paint
the cupboards a bottle green and the knobs/handles gold to start. The solutions couldn’t be too
permanent as well as she was renting her home.

Paint
• The paint solution was chalk paint and milk
paint. These organic paints release no fumes
and dry quickly and are available in an
amazing set of colours. Also they can give that
much wanted distressed look for a farmhouse
feel. We got two cans of milk paint and two
cans of chalk paint.
• We also got Rustoleum gold spray paint for
the handles.
• We got some universal tinters, I’ll explain
this below.
Extras
• We got brushes rollers and paint trays, we
planned to use 3 different hues of paint so
each hue got its own roller / brush and tray
(this will make your work much

The Challenges
We couldn’t find bottle green chalk paint
anywhere so we settled on Highland with the
idea of tinting it to a darker colour. We had
tried this before on a console we made
previously with mixed results. It was effective
in small amounts but the results started
varying in any large quantity. Here we had to
make enough to cover an entire kitchen. So
this is not recommended at all but we got 4
green universal tints and 4 black ones and
tried some chemistry. The palate was
interesting.

We were happy to get the emerald but we
settled for the the bottle green (no. 4) and
highland blue (no.2).

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 32

H&S DIY

THE WORK

First port of call was removing the door handles so they could be sanded and spray painted.
Then we removed the drawers and started painting. First with the bottle green on the
outline and structure of the cupboards. Then on to the cupboard doors themselves.

This was also a two part job as we also had to paint and match the island with the rest the
kitchen. So we took the island outside for some heavy sanding. This is where the chalk paint
was going to come in.

After sanding it was painting time. A fairly
easy process as chalk paint is both easy to
apply and doesn’t require any special mixing
or thinning. It’s just you and your roller in
even strokes throughout. The corners need a
soft small brush.

Two layers is normally enough to give the
chalk paint eggshell matte feel and look and
feel.

A single coat dries in about 30 Mins so within Removing door handles
an hour or so we were done painting the table.

After sanding it was painting time. A fairly
easy process as chalk paint is both easy to
apply and doesn’t require any special mixing
or thinning. It’s just you and your roller in
even strokes throughout. The corners need a
soft small brush.

As soon as the paint was dry to the touch we
started mounting the handles, a task much
tougher than dismounting handles I must add.

The highland blue milk paint would be

sandwiched by bottle green milk paint for the

top drawers. All the white doors would be

chalk paint linen white

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 32

H&S DIY

The painting took most of the day with no
breaks in-between, Our objective was to
have her kitchen ready to use by dinner
time. A serious task in itself.

Milk paint dries a little slower than chalk
paint so we had to match the drying times
when applying the second or third coats in
places where mil paint was going over chalk
paint. Needless to say there was some
smudging that occurred as both paints are
water based and dissolve into each other
when not fully dry.

Meanwhile the island was received its third
coat.
DIY done by Amari Concepts
FB : Amari Concepts
Tel: 263715067274?

The highland blue looked stunning
sandwiched between the bottle
green.

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 34



H&S DIY

ADD OUTDOOR LIVING

SPACE WITH A DIY PAVED

AREA

By Susanne Chirikure (Konak Walls of Stone))

If your backyard is more eyesore than lush landscape,
adding a DIY paver patio could be just the ticket to

transform a patch of weeds into a relaxing outdoor room.

MATERIALS

River sand 20*9*8cm Springstones
Domboshava Opal pebbles cobbles
(in flower pot) Round concrete pavers, 35
Chinhoyi Slate pebbles (flat, and 42 cm diameter
round) 50*50*4 Plain concrete
Bindura Quartzite pebbles pavers
(flat, round) 50*50*5 Natural stone
30*30*3cm Kariba Quartzite decorated concrete pavers
pavers Springstone flower pot and
10*10*2cm Bindura stand
Quartzite tiles in concrete

For materials Visit : www.konak.co.zw
Tel: +263 715 828 870 / +263 783 610 800

1.Dig and remove top soil 2. Mix sand and cement at a ratio of 7 : 1 (can be done
without the cement if cement is not available)

3. Spread sand onto the for paving designated area, 4. Compact rivers and to 3cm thickness
about 6cm thick

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 36

H&S DIY

5. Place stone and concrete pavers on top of the 6. Hammer the pavers with a mullet hammer
compacted riversand in which ever distribution into the ground to achieve a level surface
.
pattern you prefer, possibly leaving gaps for
pebbles inbetween.

7. Place the chosen pebbles in the designated gaps 8. Place the flower pot at the spot which is
between the pavers creating your individual look convenient for you

9. Place a sculpture for more character in the space.

The final look! Enjoy the new space

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 37

H&S ARTSCAPE

MEET

JOSHUA CHAPS

AN AFRO ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONIST ARTIST

The visual arts landscape is no easy terrain to navigate for many local acts as there are very
few avenues to monetise their works.However, in the face of such a daunting reality,
budding visual artist, Joshua Chaps is staying optimistic as he envisions himself as
Zimbabwe’s own Michelangelo.

Joshua Chapata aka Josh Chap is an afro abstract expressionist artist. He says his Afro
influenced by the deep African cultural heritage, while abstract expressionism being an art
type that narrates a deeper story of day to day events.

He has been on his mission for close to two decades now, but has worked hard to
breakthrough in the mainstream. He said “The initial stages after breaking through from the
underground were tough financially. I would put in more money than what would eventually
come out of a project.

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 38

H&S ARTSCAPE

He added “The initial stage was a loss on most projects. But, that didn’t pull me down, I kept on
pushing till the brand name grew and it started rewarding financially.”The self-taught artist
highlighted that he is using his work to spread the message of hope, empowerment, wellness, peace
and encouragement.

“My biggest sale, well most might laugh but it was a big achievement. I sold it to an owner in Hawaii
for USD$400. Coming from underground that was a huge achievement and set a tone in my line of
work,” remarked Josh.

Some of the highlights of his career include; his appointment as arts ambassador for Deutsch
Connect (a German based organisation that helps young African entrepreneurs realise their
dreams and goals), exhibiting his first ever exhibition held during the Francophone week, as
well as having works put on exhibition in a Pretoria gallery.

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 39

H&S ARCHITECTURAL TOURISM

THE OPEN
HOUSE

BY MODO DESIGNS

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 40

H&S INTERNATIONAL TRENDS

.

What was the client’s brief?
The brief told was to design a resort like open place
which can be used for social gatherings and for
retreat purpose during weekends.

What was your initial design approach?
Keeping the essential brief in mind, the house is
designed as two blocks separated by open to sky
space. The idea was to allow natural elements into
the blocks and engage the users with these
elements and thereby connect them to nature. It
was intended that a sense of openness and flow of
space prevail.

Could you tell us a bit more about how the light

has been used and incorporated in this project?

The front block having living and dining area is

characteristically open with glass all around

allowing natural light and vistas of landscape.

Climatically the glass door windows has entire

buffer of entry foyer in east, a 12’ cantilevered

verandah in south and a wooden screen in west to

reduce heat gain.

The rear block is more private housing the

bedrooms and hence the natural light is more

restrained, and allowed through wooden louvers.

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE| 41

H&S INTERNATIONAL TRENDS

Could you briefly explain the planning/zoning
of the space?

One enters from east, through a small foyer like
space in the front block. This block has the
living, dining and verandah space which are
more public in nature and are interpreted. The
rear block houses the private bedroom spaces
and kitchen and hence more stark and
introverted in expression. Both blocks are
separated by a narrow open to sky space.
However the bedrooms connect to the pool and
south garden while kitchen and powder room is
concealed behind a blank wall. The pool is
located such that this element is visible from
living area as well as bedrooms. The layout was
determined as a result of locating the private
and public spaces retaining the sense of
openness and connectivity to the garden and
pool.

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H&S INTERNATIONAL TRENDS

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H&S INTERNATIONAL TRENDS

Project name – The open house
Architecture firm – Modo Designs (Ar. Arpan Shah)
Built up area – 3600 sq ft
Project location – Mumatpura, off S G Highway,
Ahmedabad
Interiors – Saptak Patel
Landscaping – Amit Modha
Contractor – Mihir Darji
Photographer – Radhika Pandit

What are the significant features of this Are there any unique materials / construction
project that differentiate it from others? methodologies employed here?
The house plays up the horizontal scale, The 12’ cantilevered slab supported on mild steel
resulting into an overall form as a stretched truss was something unique we tried in this
linear insert into the width of the plot. The project. The house does away with false ceiling in
front living & dining is a big hall One of features all rooms and has exposed rcc ceiling while all
we wanted was openness, hence a narrow open flooring is river finished granite.
to sky space was inserted into the front and
rear blocks allowing the user to sense the If you could alter/revise any one aspect of the
natural elements, the sun rays intercepting at project, what would that be? May be have a
certain times, the earth element in the form of lightweight slim fabricated roof connecting the
plantations, the rains and fragments of sky. two blocks.

Also the glass pavilion along with the 12’ Other Project details:
cantilevered verandah on the south is kind of Time taken for construction – 2 years- 3 months
the highlight of the project. We imagined a Official name of the architectural firm – Modo
floating space and didn’t prefer any columns on Designs
the edge of verandah. It was a challenge to Design team – Arpan Shah, Prachi bhavsar
build this and eventually we decided to have
mild steel trusses which supported the Significant design collaborators/consultants –
horizontal slab. The trusses were concealed in Interior design by Saptak Patel
inclined wood ceiling, and the inclined ceiling
gave a sense expanse towards the south Prominent brand collaborators – Koehler for toilet
gardens.in mild steel columns to treat it like a fittings and fixtures, - Abba and Changi for light
pavilion. fixtures

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H&S PROPERTY NEWS
H&S PROPERTY NEWS

UPCOMING SHAMVA
RESIDENTIAL SUBURB

Golden Heights is located 28km from Bindura (The Provincial 40
Capital of Mashonaland Central), and 89km north of Harare. The
housing scheme is just a step away from Shamva Town center, the
sleeping giant of Shamva District. Golden Heights housing scheme
is committed to offering descent, and world-class
accommodation.

Golden Heights is a Low-density residential scheme, with stands
measuring from 1500sqm to 8000sqm, with the exception of
institutional stands that exceed that range. Available stands
include the aforementioned residential stands, agro-residential
plots industrial stands, creche stands, school stands, church
stands and cementry stands. Historically, Goldenheights was a
Farm called “Remainder of Samva”, owned by the Gurumombe
family, but because of the proximity to the town center the farm
was subdivided, and the subdivision permit granted in 2013. From
the inception of Golden Heights Housing Scheme, quality
standards and decency have always been at the heart of all
operations.

The stands have been serviced; road servitude and water
connections have already been implemented to the satisfaction of
compliance standards of local authority bodies namely ZINWA and
CRDC (Chaminuka Rural District Council), but suffice to say that
servicing of the housing scheme is still in progress to reach the
envisioned standard.

The stands are sold with flexible payment terms and have title
deeds. www.goldenheights.co.zw

HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE|

STEP INTO

YOUR OWN

SPACE

Come to the grandest open
house of the year

SHAMVA
STANDS

NOW
SELLING

FEATURES

LOW DENSITY AGRO-RESIDENTIAL STANDS
1500SQM – 8000SQM SCHOOL & CHURCH STANDS
RESIDENTIAL STANDS/ SERVICED

INDUSTRIAL STANDS

Golden Heights brings you our latest batch of modern residences for families big and
small. We're thrilled to offer you our serviced stands in Shamva at reasonable prices and
favourable payment terms. Get ready to step into comfort and luxury.

Get ready to step into your own space.

Stand 2312, Golden Heights, Shamva, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 662137464 Cell: +263 772 885 749 / +263 776 165 170
www.goldenheights.co.zw

H&S ARCHITECTURAL TOURISM

By Shaana Puwaii

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