A collaboration between Metal Windows & Artic Design Solutions

Renovation of “ The Grande Dame  Heldray “  (Heldray Rd Noordhoek )

 A name affectionately coined to a home of former grandness, perched in an old world stately garden, with echos of family joys, history, stories and permanence.

Although faded and dated, she had elegance, curves, and and a solidness in her bones that were undeniably classic. 

Renovations hold far more challenges than new builds. The internal flow was dark, built in an era that was determined to keep the outside out, no flow and lightness. A  massive imposing staircase, with its  spine facing the front door dominated the hallway.  The client immediately bought into Arti’s vision, determined to not compromise, a new young vibrant dame was imagined to catapult her into a new era.  Authenticity was 1st, Budget 2nd. A designers dream!

Some of the main Key elements: Remove internal walls and create flow. Move staircase to the back of hallway and change kitchen orientation. Create warm light spaces through Conservatories and allow the light through by updating all windows openings and creating new openings.

Internal Walls
The walls were opened up, with huge I beams, placed high and exposed against the lower slab. New opening  in glass doors were created to allow for cosy winter nights to cocoon in.

Staircase
 The old wooden staircase was demolished, the hallway opened up and extended and a new staircase cast.  Metal Windows created A wine cellar  with slimline steel form to Utilize the cavity space created. Stairs were clad in 25 mm solid French oak, with sconces and upper tiled in a classic filigree black and white patterned tile. The oak wine cabinet  echoes  the same chevron pattern of stairwell landing and lounge flooring

Windows
Ever more important was to bring the outside in. This was where the Windows, their size openings, heights and materials,  played a pivotal part in the renovation transformation.  Steel windows were used for the front facade, window openings readjusted, to be as high as possible, long  and using slimline steel throughout.

Windows were set forward to allow for seating ledges, reading books in the afternoon Sun.  The “piece de resistance” are the two classic conservatories,  (dining room and kitchen) both in steel,  slim line. 

We extended the  lounge area by lifting the height, enclosing it with a conservatory, which extended the footprint and anchored her, with sunshine, and the garden, making her one with her environment.  Another “piece  de resistance” are the two arches one window and one a door at each end of the upper hallway, echoing the curved balustrades of stairwell and outside front balcony. All Forman Brand systems exclusive to Metal Windows. Note the spectacular glass chandeliers by Stephen Pikus in front of the arched window.

Flooring
The entire downstairs has a closed water underfloor heating, system. The clients love for B/W tiles spearheaded the choice of old world filigree design used as a rug , in hallway, kitchen and Conservatoty areas.  Warm, buttery solid oak flooring was used in the lounge dining room as well as upstairs hallway. An absolute joy. The same oak was used on all window ledge treatments.

Lighting
Chandeliers to retain the classic theme, Stephen Pikus was commissioned to do all the lighting.   Tumbled glass Colors were chosen  for the chandeliers, and the theme continues throughout the house. Old oil filters and washing machine drums  were hung in the kitchen , echoing the industrial look of the conservatory, and warmth of the wood.

Kitchen
The kitchen was extended  with a conservatory glass and steel  roof spanning her length. Morning Light streams through the new kitchen,  perfect for winter mornings. Old kitchen gutted, cabinets donated, and a new layout designed. A Long Island anchoring the kitchen with  a PITT gas burners , stone top and  integrated prep bowl in Neolith and Fluted oak curved corners.

Suppliers
Windows & Doors Metal Windows 021 4484333
Bronwyn Kuttel sales executive.
Architectural Interiors and Project management  Arti Canaris
Artic Design Solutions 0835777010
Dave Jenkins -Prijen Construction.
Wooden flooring Pierre Cronje.
Photos Riaan Lourens  072-0357754Tiles, Quadratta
Underfloor heating system Red Label.
Fans, Skyfans.
Lighting -Stephen Pikus
Joinery, Interior Fusion
Sanitary ware Flush bathrooms.
Appliances Bosch and Siemens.