NICO VAN DER MEULEN ARCHITECTS
Kiambu Tate Close | A half-built house we had the opportunity to transform in a sought after neighbourhood
Unlocking the Potential of Additions and Alterations in Architecture
At Nico van der Meulen Architects, we go beyond designing contemporary residences, our expertise also lies in explorative addition and alteration projects that balance both functionality and aesthetics. Each client is unique, and so is every project; we strive to blend practical and creative solutions to ensure an exceptional outcome.
Kiambu Tate Close | A half-built house we had the opportunity to transform in a sought after neighbourhood
Unlocking the Potential of Additions and Alterations in Architecture
At Nico van der Meulen Architects, we go beyond designing contemporary residences, our expertise also lies in explorative addition and alteration projects that balance both functionality and aesthetics. Each client is unique, and so is every project; we strive to blend practical and creative solutions to ensure an exceptional outcome.
Kloof road entrance | Before and after
In a previous article, we discussed the following practical factors:
• Investment feasibility, informed by neighborhood dynamics and market trends.
• Local authority regulations that may impact your project’s scope.
• The orientation and structural integrity of the existing building – single storey vs multiple level
Kloof road entrance | Before and after
In a previous article, we discussed the following practical factors:
• Investment feasibility, informed by neighborhood dynamics and market trends.
• Local authority regulations that may impact your project’s scope.
• The orientation and structural integrity of the existing building – single story vs multiple level
Cicaleto Residence | A 900-year-old watchtower in the Italian countryside, which had been converted into a farmhouse over the centuries, was later renovated into a comfortable home
Beyond these technical considerations, we also focus on critical design opportunities:
1. Client Vision and Long-term Goals
Your comfort, lifestyle, and personal satisfaction are at the heart of every project. We ensure that your vision serves as the foundation for the design, creating spaces that resonate with your aspirations and enhance your day-to-day living experience.
Cicaleto Residence | A 900-year-old watchtower in the Italian countryside, which had been converted into a farmhouse over the centuries, was later renovated into a comfortable home
Beyond these technical considerations, we also focus on critical design opportunities:
1. Client Vision and Long-term Goals
Your comfort, lifestyle, and personal satisfaction are at the heart of every project. We ensure that your vision serves as the foundation for the design, creating spaces that resonate with your aspirations and enhance your day-to-day living experience.
Blackenfen Residence | a 1960s home, situated on a large stand, was renovated and modernised
2. Maximizing Investment Opportunities
We endeavour to identify opportunities that not only align with your goals but also present potential for future return on investment, whether in property value but mostly in an improved quality of life.
Blackenfen Residence | a 1960s home, situated on a large stand, was renovated and modernised
2. Maximizing Investment Opportunities
We endeavour to identify opportunities that not only align with your goals but also present potential for future return on investment, whether in property value but mostly in an improved quality of life.
Villa Deo Favente | A 1960s modern home in Ghana was redesigned and expanded.
3. Enhancing Site Conditions
Each site offers unique advantages and challenges to overcome, from natural views to existing vegetation. We take inspiration from these features, using the natural surroundings to enhance the overall design and create harmony between the structure and its environment.
De A Residence | A relatively new home the client wanted it updated with additional sun-control features.
3. Enhancing Site Conditions
Each site offers unique advantages and challenges to overcome, from natural views to existing vegetation. We take inspiration from these features, using the natural surroundings to enhance the overall design and create harmony between the structure and its environment.
De A Residence | A relatively new home the client wanted it updated with additional sun-control features.
4. Energy Efficiency with Passive Design Principles
Sustainability is integral to modern design. We incorporate passive design principles such as optimal orientation for natural light and ventilation to improve energy efficiency, while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing environment and remain open to incorporating more active options.
Bayview Residence | A family home near Mossel Bay was expanded and transformed into a modern, contemporary residence
4. Energy Efficiency with Passive Design Principles
Sustainability is integral to modern design. We incorporate passive design principles, such as optimal orientation for natural light and ventilation, to improve energy efficiency while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing environment and remain open to incorporating more active options.
Bayview Residence | A family home near Mossel Bay was expanded and transformed into a modern, contemporary residence
5. Strategic Property Selection for Additions and Alterations
When embarking on an addition or alteration project, we often advise clients to seek properties that offer the most flexibility for transformation. Rather than opting for recently constructed residences, which often present constraints, we recommend selecting buildings in need of renovation.
Helsinki Residence | A 1970s transformed in its third phase of additions and alterations, Residence Helsinki and its various architectural evolutions have stood the test of time. Since completing the first alterations as House Swa nearly 16 years ago, we had the opportunity to “refresh” the home with subtle and thoughtful additions.
5. Strategic Property Selection for Additions and Alterations
When embarking on an addition or alteration project, we often advise clients to seek properties that offer the most flexibility for transformation. Rather than opting for recently constructed residences, which often present constraints, we recommend selecting buildings in need of renovation.
Helsinki Residence | A 1970s transformed in its third phase of additions and alterations, Residence Helsinki and its various architectural evolutions have stood the test of time. Since completing the first alterations as House Swa nearly 16 years ago, we had the opportunity to “refresh” the home with subtle and thoughtful additions.
The Stables
The Stables | Before and after
Ideally, these properties should feature single-storey structures with a ‘soft’ roof rather than a concrete slab. This allows for greater adaptability in design, whether vertical expansion or structural reconfiguration is desired, while keeping the process more efficient and cost-effective.
Ideally, these properties should feature single-storey structures with a ‘soft’ roof rather than a concrete slab. This allows for greater adaptability in design, whether vertical expansion or structural reconfiguration is desired, while keeping the process more efficient and cost-effective.
Eton Office Park
Eton Office Park | Before and after of a more classical development in Sandhurst
YP Vineyards | Before and after is an exciting endeavor situated in the Devon Valley of Stellenbosch.
With our expertise, we turn your vision into reality.
Feel free to reach out to us to explore the endless possibilities for your next project.
Sincerely,
Nico on behalf of all the staff at Nico van der Meulen Architects
YP Vineyards
With our expertise, we turn your vision into reality.
Feel free to reach out to us to explore the endless possibilities for your next project.
Sincerely,
Nico on behalf of all the staff at Nico van der Meulen Architects