Llandudno Beach House Renovation

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Mathew Van Niekerk

For the renovation of this beach house, architectural designer Hanno de Swardt of Onnah Design made use of texture and colour to give this outdated Llandudno villa a new lease on life.

“My clients wanted to maximise the view from this plot so our design brief for this project was all about increasing the outdoor entertainment spaces and giving the interior of the house a much-needed update,” says architectural designer Hanno de Swardt.

While the main house remained intact, the outside needed some major structural interventions. Hanno raised the previous lawn level by almost 750mm through the use of terraced terraforce blocks. “This allowed the inside to flow easily to the outside, and kept the lawn and pool all on one level. By raising the lawn level we actually reduced the amount of excavation needed for the pool, which benefited the final budget,” he says.

“The rather restrictive and sloping site posed the biggest challenge for the entire team,” says Hanno. A retaining perimeter wall with an agricultural drain had to be introduced on the sloping side of the garden in order to create the raised deck and outdoor lounge. An existing deck flowing off the dining room was also replaced and extended into the garden by almost 1500mm. This was accomplished by cantilevering the extension in order to create a “floating effect”.

READ MORE: Before and After: Rosebank Home

Hanno introduced pops of colour throughout the house to replace the previously bland all white interior and exterior. “The clients had a deep rooted love for Africa, especially Kenya and Cape Town, which were the main source of inspiration for the interior. The context of the magnificent setting, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, was also acknowledged through the use of several nautical decor pieces,” he explains.

In the dining room there are a cool mix of colours, textures and reflective surfaces. “The circular and organic shapes are in contrast with the rectangular table and architectural envelope and it introduces a softer, relaxed and more informal look,” says Hanno. The celebration of colour extends into the corridor leading off the dining area which is painted in an eye-catching blue. “What a difference a little bit of colour can make to a space. And art. And lighting. It’s all related. And all relevant. And yes, even a corridor can (and should) be fabulous,” he says.

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The main bedroom features a yellow wall dressed up with two old rowing oars. “It gives the space a lovely nautical feel and directly relates to the stunning ocean view outside. By painting the ceilings white the room is transformed into a calm, light and bright haven” explains Hanno.

There are two lounge areas which flow effortlessly and open up to the garden with views of the ocean beyond. Both the sunken lounge and the ‘pajama lounge’ ooze laidback style and comfort. “The combination of colour and textures here, and throughout the house, reflect the client’s personal style,” says Hanno.

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