This house, designed for a site in Great Brak Heights, was not built.
House Ehrman, 2018 - not built
The Clients and I had great fun designing it, but then they decided to move overseas. They wanted a cape cottage and showed me photos of buildings they liked. We explored alternative building methods. It was the second dwelling on the site so the area was limited to 120m2. The house is as I designed it, however I gave myself permission to invent the landscape freely. It is always disappointing when a project is not built, but thatt does not diminish the memories of the design journey.
I fondly recall the brainstorming sessions filled with sketches, mood boards, and lively discussions about the perfect blend of traditional charm and modern efficiency. We envisioned a cozy yet spacious interior, with an open-plan living area that seamlessly connected to a quaint kitchen and dining space. Large windows were strategically placed to capture the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, flooding the rooms with natural light and bringing the outdoors in.
The exterior was to be adorned with classic Cape Dutch architectural elements—whitewashed walls, gabled roofs, and charming shutters. A small, serene garden filled with indigenous plants and a cobblestone path leading to a picturesque pergola would have completed the idyllic setting.
While the move overseas meant the house remained a dream, the creative process and the bonds formed during that time are treasured memories. It served as a reminder of the joy in the art of designing, and the endless possibilities that lie in every unbuilt structure. Each project, built or not, contributes to the tapestry of experiences that shape us as creators and dreamers.