IMAGE David Ross
A cool, contemporary space becomes a focal point inside the Paarl home of architectural historian Dicey and her engineer husband Thom du Toit.
Your inspiration?
We decided to replant the courtyard soon after we moved in 11 years ago – the idea was to reform it into a Zen space; calm and green, but not overgrown. Stellenbosch landscaper Danie Steenkamp helped initially and also sourced most of the plants. Since then, we’ve added orchids and ferns, and we plant and replant.
How does the green space add to your home?
The courtyard is its heart and breathing space. It can be seen right through the house and is an important outside-inside space.
Is it purely aesthetic?
Our architect designed the house almost around the courtyard, but its main function is to cool it down in summer. When you open the courtyard doors, it becomes a natural air conditioner.
Explain the Zen angle.
The design connects in more than one way to the Japanese architecture, where nature is the only element considered in the design – it’s known as sensory architecture.
You are constantly connected to nature and the influence that it has on you. Is it tough to maintain?
Our gardener Timo and I do the courtyard together, and it takes us only about an hour a week.
How does this space benefit you and your family?
It allows me to be creative and gives me good ideas – I ‘play’ in it; the whole family and our pets kuier here.
Who created the leaves?
We’re fortunate to have a friend in landscape artist Strijdom van der Merwe, who made the mobile with the two leaves. After he hung them, everything just came together.
Any advice for city dwellers looking to add some green to their living spaces?
Even if you start with a few pots, plant according to the space that you have. Do your homework, and don’t spend money on plants that won’t grow in that specific area.
This article originally featured in IMAGINE.
