Reno project! An entertainment area gets refreshed

Photographs Christoph Hoffmann | Styling Mary Jane Harris

The outdoor braai with its louvre awning was such an eyesore for Theuns and Lindr van Rensburg that they almost didn't buy their house.

"It was the first thing you noticed from the front door and it also obstructed the view of the garden from the living room. The space simply had no atmosphere or appeal," says Theuns. "In addition, we found out later that it leaked really badly during the rainy summer months."

Although their outdoor nook was unsightly, the couple liked the idea of a louvred roof as it let in lovely light in winter and didn't make the house feel dark inside. The Van Rensburgs called on architect Andries Schutte of ACS Concepts who helped them to create a new, more efficient louvred roof and inviting entertainment area.

"We loved his plans immediately and were able to visualise how the new design would transform the entire house and garden!" Theuns.

Now, the space makes a wonderful addition to their living areas - and it's oh so easy on the eye!

"We can enjoy it throughout the year," says Theuns happily. "The extra space makes a huge difference to the floor area of the house, and we can spend hours here relaxing and appreciating the view of the garden. The natural light ensures that the room is warm and bright, and when we open the doors on both sides it enhances a sense of spaciousness."

How they did it...

TOTAL: R373 500

The original louvre awning was carefully removed and sold, after which the built-in braai area was demolished.

A section of the home's roof was cut away to accommodate the I-beams. Building materials from Chamberlains; steelwork by 407 Construction

For the new floor, the surface was well compacted, then pavers with a concrete finish were laid. Pavers from Bosun Stone Finishes, installed by Aroma Paving

New garden beds were built to create flow between the new structure and garden; a new boundary wall serves as a support for the steel framework of the new roof.

A new shuttered roof was then installed; these wooden slats are fixed so they can't be adjusted. Large aluminium stacking doors provide ventilation. Aluminium-framed doors from Infinityglass & Aluminium

Thanks to transparent roof sheets on top of the roof structure, this braai stoep is now completely waterproof. Installation of wooden slats and roof panels by PTC Construction

EXPERT ADVICE

Pointers for installing a pergola or louvre awning

Roofing structures such as these can have a huge impact on your existing home as they can easily make the rooms inside feel dark.

"The three most important aspects to consider are the context, light and ventilation," says architect Andries Schutte of ACS Concepts.

CONTEXT. This refers to the overall design - how relevant it is to the existing house and whether there is good flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. It must also complement the immediate environment, such as the Van Rensburgs' garden, in terms of finishes and practicality.

LIGHT. Natural light is not only influenced by the roofing structure - windows and doors also play a role. Sunlight baking on a roof can make the space below, and consequently also the interior of the house, uncomfortably hot. Louvre awnings offer an excellent solution. The louvres must be installed in such a way that they let sunlight through in winter and provide shade in summer; they can be adjustable or fixed.

The disadvantage of a louvre awning is that it is not weatherproof - unless roof sheets are installed on top, as the Van Rensburgs did. Corrugated iron sheets do keep out sunlight but can make a room feel very hot, so consider installing a ceiling underneath. Transparent sheets, on the other hand, let in direct sunlight but can also make a room very hot.

A solution to this is a taller roof with a larger roof space that traps the hot air, keeping the room below it much cooler.

VENTILATION. Sufficient doors and windows are essential for temperature control and air flow in a room.

CONTACT andries@acsconcepts.co.za