In this issue, we are proud to show a number of houses built in a uniquely modern South African vernacular – including a contemporary suburban home in Rondebosch, Cape Town; a carefully considered home in Hyde Park, Johannesburg; a weekend retreat in the Cradle of Humankind; and, my favourite, the house that London-based architect Jennifer Beningfield built near Prince Albert at the foot of the Swartberg.

Jennifer believes we need to build in a contemporary way that reflects the time in which we live and not an inappropriate nostalgia for time past or remote locations. This house has a loose structure that can be added to when needed; and it shows it’s still possible to build an elegant and environmentally responsive house on a limited budget in a climate that experiences both extreme heat and cold.

We’ve had such positive responses to the VISI Great Spaces tours we’ve been running in association with Saint-Gobain this year. Thanks to the tours, you can experience some of the great spaces we feature in VISI first-hand. Not only will tour participants get to walk through these truly fabulous places, but they will also each receive a bottle of Graham Beck bubbly to take home. What’s not to love about that prospect?

We’ve also got exciting competitions lined up this issue – including the chance to win a Smeg Fab5 Mini Fridge and a luxury trip for two to Steenberg Hotel in Cape Town, flights included!

Happy summer!

– Sumien

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