House Companie – Double-Storey Family Home, Free State, South Africa
Overview
House Companie is a contemporary two-storey family residence defined by its warm tile roof, crisp rendered walls and deep-set verandas. Nestled on a treelined suburban block, the design balances generous indoor living with sheltered outdoor rooms, creating a relaxed yet refined home for a growing family of five.
Design Approach
Warm Roof & Modern Vernacular
We paired a classic pitched roof clad in terracotta-toned tiles with clean white and brick-accented façades. This “warm-roof” palette references local farmhouses, while contemporary proportions and large openings give the home a fresh, modern edge.Indoor–Outdoor Living
Strategic glazing and sliding doors connect the open-plan living and dining spaces to covered terraces and a reflecting pool. Deep eaves protect from summer sun, while operable screens frame views of mature trees and South African skies.Layered Privacy
A semi-private courtyard garden steps down from the entry gate, buffering the street and offering a tranquil forecourt before you reach the main living pavilion.
Key Features
Five Bedrooms + Flexible Loft
Upstairs, four bedrooms share a family bathroom, while the master suite opens onto a private balcony. A central loft lounge can convert to a playroom or home office.Central Living Pavilion
The double-height living room, with a suspended fireplace wall, anchors the ground floor. Its north-facing glazing floods the space with light, which dances across the polished concrete floors.Veranda & Water Garden
A full-width veranda overlooks a linear reflecting pool and lawn, creating a serene “outdoor room” for alfresco dining and evening gatherings.Material Harmony
A restrained palette—smooth plaster, feature brick walls, exposed concrete soffits—ties the interior and exterior together, punctuated by warm oak joinery and ironmongery.
Outcome & Impact
Efficient Approvals: Secured municipal consent within ten weeks by demonstrating context-sensitive scale and passive-solar design.
Family Delight: Owners praise the seamless flow between living spaces and gardens, noting how the home “breathes” with natural light and breeze.
Enduring Aesthetic: The warm-roof vernacular and minimalist detailing create a timeless backdrop for future furnishings and landscaping.
“House Companie feels both protective and open—a place where our family can grow, play and gather under a roof that’s as warm as the light it lets in.”
