Jacques Cronje Portfolio

Contents

Residential:

House Swart 1

House Marie 2

House Ferrant 3

House Orban 4

House Hussey 5

House Nel 7

House McGregor 9

House Raubenheimer 11

Forrest & Robson Cottage 12

House Visser 13

21 Sunninghill Drive 14

Resort and Hotel:

Tiffendell Ski Resort 15

Bontebok National Park 16

Falcon Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary 18

Elephant Hide Lodge 21

The Kelway Hotel 22

June 2010
 House Swart
Project type Residential
Location Boggomsbaai
Construction 2009
Scope of Work Full Architectural Service, Stages 1-5

The site is situated in a coastal conservancy area on the Garden Route coast. The
site slopes gently from the west down towards the road frontage and sea views to
the east. In response to a low 7.5m height restriction applicable to the area, the
design of the mono-pitch main roof slopes up gently following the natural slope of
the ground. A lower roof along the back of the house with clerestory windows above
will bring natural light into the top floor and double volume dining area of the house
from the north west. Deep eaves overhangs will favour winter light and provide
shade from midday summer sun. Typical of most sea view sites along the Garden
Route the low winter sunlight is from behind the house, so a glazed stairwell has
been incorporated on the north west into the living areas on the ground level.

Jacques Cronje Portfolio 1

 House Marle
Project type Residential - addition to existing house
Location Clanwilliam
Construction 2009
Scope of Work Complete Architectural Service, Stages 1-5

The original log cabin, situated on the Clanwilliam dam, was built some time ago. On wanting to
add to the size of the cabin and keep the look of the addition the same as the original portion, it was
discovered that the company who had manufactured the logs for the original cabin no longer
manufactured the same logs. The new logs were 26mm larger in diameter and to deal with the
descrepancy in log size it was decided set the new addition apart from the existing building,
keeping it similar in height and form, and linking it with a timber frame portion clad with half-log
cladding. The entire addition, as would of been done with the original building years back, was
pre-fabricated at NST Arborlines’ factory in Knysna, and delivered to the site as a pre-cut
numbered kit of parts, for the contractor to assemble on site.

The design of the addition sought to separate the bedroom areas into the new more private ‘wing’,
leaving the original building for a more open plan living area, as well as increasing the outdoor
entertainment area.

Jacques Cronje Portfolio 2

 House Ferrant
Project type Residential
Location Mossel Bay
Design 2008 - Project
Scope of Work Architectural Stages 1-4

This house was designed to be nestled amongst the coastal fynbos on a site in a coastal golf resort.
To preserve as much of the sensitive coastal vegetation as possible, the only access to the homes in
this part of the development are by golf cart via narrow roads, and to reduce damage done by the
transport of and building with conventional brickwork, the architectural code for the this area of the
development stipulates that “ timber structures should be used wherever possible”. Due to
orientation of the house to maximise sea views to the south, the central living area is double volume
with a glazing at the entrance to the top of the double volume height to fill the house with natural
light. A stairwell next to the entrance leads one to a catwalk which connects the first floor bedroom
areas either side of the living area.

Jacques Cronje Portfolio 3

 House Orban
Project type Residential
Location Flees Bay
Construction 2007
Scope of Work Full Architectural service, Stages 1-5

The house was designed for comfortable beach living, to maximise sea views to the south and
out to the bay and point to the southwest, and to allow for maximum penetration of winter
sunlight from the north. Horizontal forms and gently sloping mono-pitch roofs resonate with the
gently sloping and undulating form of the landscape. To minimise visual impact up from the
coast, the major portion of the south façade is shaded, and the colour palette was chosen to
blend in with the vegetation and sand.
The house has split levels, which allow it to step down the slope following the contours of the
site. Appropriate responses sought to resolve the issues of north light from behind the house,
the prevailing winds, and maximising views include covered outdoor deck areas to both the
north and the south of the house, and elongating the plan form on an east west axis.
The house is ‘off-grid’ and power is produced by photovoltaic panels, with a battery pack and
inverter, and a silent running generator providing backup power should there not be sufficient
sunlight for several days. Hot water is heated by means of a Vacuum Tube solar panel, and is
circulated by a small pump also powered by a photovoltaic panel. The sewerage has been split
into grey and black water and the plan is to recycle the grey water for re-use. Rainwater is
harvested from the roof, with all the downpipes leading to horizontal storage tanks fitted below
the house.

Jacques Cronje Portfolio 4

 House Hussey
Project type Residential
Location Knysna
Construction 2006
Scope of Work Complete Architectural Service, Stages 1-5

The design concept was informed by the clients brief of maximising views of the Knysna
estuary to south, the site presenting the constraints of being narrow and steeply south sloping,
and our aim of maximising north light in winter to what would otherwise have been a cold
south facing house. Contextual issues resulting from the steep southward slope of the site
largely drove the resultant design. To remain within the regulation 8m height restriction offset
vertically from all parts of the natural ground level, the pitch of the mono-pitch roof forms
closely corresponding the slope of the ground below. To maximise views to the south and light
from the north the house was spread over the full width of the site in an east west direction.

All the bedrooms and living areas are on the south side of the house, with clerestorey
windows bringing north light into the 1st floor bedrooms from above and a double volume
above the living area filling that with natural light.

The bathrooms, kitchen and garage above are on the north side. As a result of the slope and
to facilitate solar passive heating and cooling the southern section of the house is constructed
with well insulated timber frame construction, elevated above the ground on posts, while the
northern service elements of the building, which were cut into the site, are built of conventional
masonry construction, which serves as a massing element to take advantage of diurnal
temperature fluctuations.

The house sits tightly nestled in amongst the vegetation and the decks were built to
accommodate a large Fig tree whose branches have been allowed to continue through
openings in the decking. Following the contours of the site closely the double storey house
has split levels on each floor all connected via a central open stairwell.

Jacques Cronje Portfolio 5

Jacques Cronje Portfolio 6
 House Nel
Project type Residential
Location Knysna
Construction 2006
Scope of Work Complete Architectural Service, Stages 1-5

Situated in a built up area in Knysna, the living area is on the first foor to maximise views of the
Knysna Estuary. As the views are predominantly to the west and north west, as well as to
maximise north light, the house is a long rectangular form on an east-west axis set back to the
southernmost position on the site, with deep covered verandas to the north and west. A secondary
rectangular form intersects the main form to allow the kitchen to project to the north providing it
with west views and recessing the garage doors to make them less prominent.
The large covered deck is the main entertainment and living area in summer, with the dining and
living areas opening on to it to the north by slding folding doors, and a built-in braai next to a large
above counter window poviding access to the kitchen.
The bedrooms are along the south with the main bedroom extending under the covered verandah
to the west to provide it with west views and north light.

Jacques Cronje Portfolio 7

 NORTH EAST PERSPECTIVE

NORTH WEST PERSPECTIVE

Jacques Cronje Portfolio 8
 House McGregor
Project type Residential
Location Sedgefield
Construction 2005
Scope of Work Full Architectural Service, Stages 1-5

The house comprises of two main rectangular forms, one to the east on a south-north axis
containing the bedrooms, and the other projecting out on tall supporting posts to the west,
containing the kitchen and living areas, and seemingly floating above the dense vegetation. In
order to preserve as much of the indigenous vegetation as possible the house has been
embedded to the site tightly in amongst the vegetation. The site, which drops off from the road
with a large dune along the south has been left in its natural form with the building designed to fit
with minimal earthworks.
The living wing on a east-west axis with a shallow veranda to the north and a deep veranda to
the west maximises north light while focusing the view across the bay to the west, at the same
time reducing the impact of the west setting sun. The bedroom wing extends southwards
towards the dune allowing the main bedroom views past the living wing to Gerickes Point across
the bay. The two main rectangular elements and four different levels are linked at the entrance
by a stairwell with a large window onto the vegetation of the dune behind.
Being in an area of fairly high rainfall the house is supplied with filtered rainwater, which is
augmented by municipal water supply only if required. Hot water is provided by Solar panels,
positioned on the flat roof above the entrance to minimise visual impact.

Jacques Cronje Portfolio 9

Jacques Cronje Portfolio 10
 House Raubenheimer

Project type Residential

Location Brenton on Sea,Knysna
Construction 2003-2004
Scope of Work Complete architectural service, Stages 1-5

Situated on a steep south facing sea view site along the

Garden Route coast the programme had to incorporate
sea views to the south and view over the bay to the south-
west, while allowing for north light from the road side,
some protection from the south east wind, and privacy
from the still to be built house to the plot on the west.
To accomodate these the house is an H-shape with the
living area extending out to the south, along with the guest
room below it to provide views over the bay to the sout-
west, as well as provide some protection to the deck from
the south-easter. A stairwell to the north of the first floor
dining area allows for a large window on the north wall
which fills the dining area as well as the family room below
with sunlight in winter.
The rectangular wing on a north-south axis to the west
provides space for two sunny studies to the road side, and
the main bedroom, by extending to the south maximises
views across the bay and allows a sheltered and private
covered deck area to the south of the dining area.

Jacques Cronje Portfolio 11

 Forrest & Robson Cottage
Project type Residential one-bedroom Cottage
Location Knysna
Design 2004 - Project
Scope of Work Sketch Plans, Design Development, Council Approval Drawings

The clients bought the property with the long-term intention of building a three-bedroom
home with a separate cottage. They commissioned the design of the separate cottage first
so that they can have this built and move in while planning and saving up for the building of
the main house at a later stage.

As the local municipal scheme regulations stipulate that the second dwelling may be a
maximum of a third of the size of the main house, and as this building would later be applied
for as a second dwelling when plans are submitted for the main house, the brief from the
clients were to keep it as small as possible while maximising comfort and entertainment
areas. With this in mind I planned the living area and kitchen/dining area as one large open
plan space.

To further enlarge the effect of space and to open the house to the outside, all the sliding
doors have been planned as cavity sliders, so that when open no glass separates inside
from outside. The shutters, when closed, also allow the occupants to safely leave the
sliding doors and windows open at night for ventilation.

Jacques Cronje Portfolio 12

 House Visser
Project type Residential holiday house in coastal nature reserve
Location Ballots Heights, George
Construction 2003-2004
Scope of Work Complete architectural service, Stages 1-5

Having a similar orientation and exposure to similar climatic conditions, some similar
design strategies as those for House Fox were applied. There are outdoor entertainment
areas connected to the house on both the sea side, and the north side, the choice of which
to be used depending on the prevailing wind direction.

A deep eave overhang over the deck on the north side, which is glazed on two sides, allows
plenty of sunlight into the living area in winter, while keeping the internal areas well lit but
shaded during summer.

In order to reduce the visual impact of the house it has been stepped to follow slope of the
site. The split level is utilised in the open plan living area to define the lounge from the
dining area, and in the main bedroom it elevates the bathroom area so while in the bath
one can see over the headboard wall and out the opened sliding-folding door to the sea
(one of the items on the clients wish list during the formulation of the brief was a bath from
which one could enjoy sea views).

Jacques Cronje Portfolio 13

 21 Sunninghill Drive
Project type Residential house
Location Knysna
Construction 2000
Scope of Work Design, Council Approval Drawings, Working Drawings,
Construction Management

After many years of draughting and construction management, this is the first house that I
designed from concept to completion. The structure is a combination of timber-frame and
concrete block construction, on concrete foundations to the kitchen and garage and
suspended timber floors to the lounge, main bedroom and first floor mezzanine and
rooms. The eave overhangs to the north have been designed so that house fills with sun
during the winter months and the interior living ea and kitchen remain totally shaded in
summer. The idea is that in winter the concrete block internal walls and slate tiled concrete
surface surface bed absorb heat which, at night, is radiated into the internal spaces which
are insulated by the lightweight and high R-value external timber-frame walls. On cloudy
winter days, however, when the house does not warm up sufficiently, it is hard to warm up
with the fireplace due to the large internal volume. Typical of most sites along the Southern
Cape coast the best views are to the south. This is dealt with by having entertainment and
living areas opening to both south and north sides, the latter of which is used
predominately in the winter months.

Natural ventilation is assisted by 'whirlybird' extractors along the ridge and a floor vent
through the suspended floor on the south side of the house, which keep the house
relatively cool in summer.

My treatment of materials was that all should remain true to form. The wood has been
sealed with a timber sealant and concrete left off-shutter and coated with a clear
waterbased varnish. Concrete bricks, which were made with a colour oxide, have been left
unplastered, and rhinoboard cladded walls internally have been skimmed with cretestone
and coated with a clear waterbased sealer. I avoided indigenous timber using only
plantation grown pine and karri gum (for countertops, stair treads and decking) and all the
Meranti windows and doors apart from the front door were designed to be manufactured
from a job lot of second hand doors I purchased.

Jacques Cronje Portfolio 14

 Tiffendell Ski Resort
Project type Ski resort chalets
Location Tiffendell
Design 2008 - Project
Scope of Work Sketch Plan proposal

Many of the traditional ski resorts, particularly in Europe, have been developed over
decades, with an architecture stemming from a longstanding cultural heritage and
vernacular. Later additions have either been informed by the traditional vernacular or have
been done in a very contemporary style. With the re-developement of Tiffendell, we saw
an opportunity to design a ski resort which, while drawing from Alpine design influences,
reflects a more contemporary ideal suited to the South African context. A traditonal ski
village is created by separate dwelling units similar to the typical villa’s in an European ski
village. As the guests will be eating at the main restaurant these will all be within easy
walking distance of the main building. Following are sketch plan proposals.

Jacques Cronje Portfolio 15

 Bontebok National Park
Project type Proposed Upgrade of Park’s Rest Camp Accommodation
Client South African National Parks
Location Bontebok National Park, Swellendam
Design 2005-2006
Construction 2006-2007
Scope of Work Concept Proposal and Working Drawings for the Chalets.
Collaborated Contract Administration.

The upgrade of the Bontebok National Park fell under the S. A. National Parks ‘Poverty Relief
Programme’, funded by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism’s ‘Expanded
Public Works Programme’, and as such required labour intensive construction methods so as to
afford local job creation and skills development. The brief also called for all design features to be
in accordance with the principles of ‘touching the earth lightly’ and ‘sustainable development’.

My scope of work included the concept designs for the chalets as well as working drawings, and
Contract Aministration of the project in collaboration with Tracey Mills-Brink.

In the design of the chalets I have responded to the context in which the units are situated by
utilising natural stone found on the site and natural timber to create minimal visual impact on the
surroundings, and kept buildings low with low mono-pitch roof’s to keep the rooflines well within
the height of the taller trees and shrubs on the site. In terms of the form and external appearence I
have avoided the typical ‘game lodge’ style keeping in mind that the park is not in the ‘bush’ but
rather in a conservation area surrounded by farmland just off the N2 and very close to the built up
area of Swellendam. I have instead sought to address the target issues first and let the design
evolve from that.

In terms of sustainability there are three core issues, namely: environmental factors, social
factors and economic factors. Key strategies in addressing environmental factors have been the
utilisation of renewable plantation grown timber and locally found stone as the primary building
materials, as well the incorporation of solar passive design strategies to reduce energy
consumption typically required for heating and cooling. The northern walls, being constructed of
stone, have a high thermal mass and in winter absorb heat from the sun which is dissipated into
the building at night. In summer the stone walls remain predominantly in the shade, staying cool
and moderating the internal temperature.
In terms of the social requirements of sustainability as well as our mandate to facilitate skills
development, the buildings have been designed in a relatively easy to construct modular format.
As the latest draft of the Western Cape’s proposed ‘Provincial Spatial Development Framework’
calls for an increased use of renewable materials in new buildings, I believe that the development
of skills in timber construction will result in transferable marketable skills, aiding poverty relief
and sustainable livelihoods.
In terms of economic issues, the project must be profitable, which is determined by its
attractiveness to paying guests, costs to build, and operating and maintenance costs.
Primary considerations with regard to the experience of the guests have been the adequate
provision of shaded outdoor areas, views (of the Breede River), and as the market is
predominantly local, as well as to provide a local experience to foreign guests, the braai is a focal
point, linked to the entrance and kitchen. Two sides of each unit open onto the deck for connection
to outdoors, while the remaining to sides provide privacy from the other units. Plenty of light seeks
to create a comfortable open environment in an otherwise compact space. By raising some of the
units marginally of the ground, particularly where pedestrians pass by the open sides, additional
privacy is created. The entrance ramps as apposed to steps are in accordance with S.A. Parks’
aim of Universal Access to persons with special needs.
In terms of reducing maintenance large eaves overhangs reduce sunlight on external walls, and
timber floors are only utilised in the living area, with the bathroom, kitchen and braai part of the
‘high thermal mass’ core with tiles on a concrete surface bed.

Jacques Cronje Portfolio 16

West perspective of One-Room Chalet

North perspective of One-Room Chalet

Jacques Cronje Portfolio 17

 Falcon Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary
Project type Proposed guest lodge and residential houses in nature reserve
Location Swellendam
Design 2004 - Project
Scope of Work Development of Brief, Concept Proposal and Sketch Plans

Falcon Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary is a proposed development bordering on the North

boundary of the De Hoop Nature Reserve on the Southern Cape Coast near Swellendam.
My scope of work for the presentation included concept ideas and sketches of energy-
efficient and passive solar design strategies for the project, a written brief discussing
general design strategies, a concept sketch plan and section of the first proposed house,
as well as producing a 3D model of the house using 'Sketchup' software. Don Brink
assisted me with the rendering of the 3D model.

The following is an excerpt from the presentation:

Introduction:

The objective in the design of the residential units for Falcon Ridge is to create
environmentally sensitive, visually appealing buildings in the context of homes within a
nature reserve, in line with the aim of designing sustainable buildings. These objectives
can be explained under the following headings:

Style of Buildings: Sketch showing proposed East-West axis in arrangement of houses.

The proposed design process aims to, rather than working to a named architectural style
or vernacular, be a response to the site, the surroundings, the principles of sustainable
design, and the requirements of the occupants (such as comfortable living and unspoilt
views). At the same time, this process must incorporate minimal disturbance to the area
and low visual impact within the area.

Response to the Site:

As the site is fairly level with gently sloping hills and low vegetation, horizontal elements
and forms will assist in blending the houses into the landscape rather than making a
statement in it. This objective can be achieved by incorporating, for example, low
monopitched or curved roof forms, horizontal wall cladding and horizontal window
elements, which will reflect the elements of the landscape in the design of the houses. The
colours chosen for the materials will be those that match or tone in to the colours of the
surrounding landscape and vegetation. Natural materials found on the site, such as
limestone, and other natural materials, such as timber, will also help to blend the units into
the environment. Elongating the plan shapes and arranging the units along an east-west
axis will help to maximise the views towards the south (sea view) and the north (fynbos
view). This east-west axis allows maximum exposure to and penetration of the sun from
the north (as the main building forms will be rectangular in shape) whilst minimising the
exposure of each unit to the other.

Sketch showing example of planning arrangement for South views and North light in
arrangement of houses.
Jacques Cronje Portfolio 18
Sustainability and Environmental Impact:

The main impact of a building on the environment is the consumption of resources and the
generation of waste. The construction industry and the built environment are collectively
responsible for 40% of the world's energy consumption and 40% of the world's carbon
dioxide emissions. The consumption of resources occurs by mainly from the use of
materials for construction purposes, and as ongoing energy consumption by a building's
occupants.

Construction Materials:

Materials can be rated in terms of eco-friendliness according to their embodied energy

(energy used to harvest, transport, manufacturer, etc.). Pine has a relatively low embodied
energy compared to clay bricks and, as a renewable resource, is an ideal building material.
Hardwoods required for windows and doors can be specified so that they are obtained
from an F.S.C. (Forest Stewardship Council) approved source. As a general rule, local
materials are preferable to imported materials.

Solar Passive Design Strategies to improve energy efficiency:

A. Correct orientation (east-west axis and north exposure to the sun)

B. Glazing and shading; glazing to allow the penetration of sun in the winter months and
shading to minimise direct sun into the house from late October to late February. This
can be achieved by the correct placing of windows (glazing to the south should be
double glazed or have blinds for insulation)and wide eave Overhangs. Specific
applications, such as a 'solar pergola', can also be used.
Sketch showing proposed section for Summer solar gain and Winter shading.
C. Adequate insulation (particularly in the roof) to reduce unwanted heat loss and gain.
D. Provision of thermal massing to store heat and to provide a heat sink (tiled
floors,internal stone walls, stone fireplaces, etc.). South Africa has temperatures that
fluctuate to a large degree between day and night, both in the winter and summer
months. The use of thermal mass to moderate indoor temperatures is an often-
overlooked strategy, particularly with regard to timber houses.
E. Ventilation, especially in the summer months, by the use of cross-ventilation and
cooling by utilising the prevailing SE and SW summer winds.

North perspective of house. Visual impact and sun reflection off a roof pitch of 16°
Jacques Cronje Portfolio 19
North East perspective of house.

South perspective of house.

Jacques Cronje Portfolio 20

 Elephant Hide Lodge
Project type Restaurant, bar and reception, five guest chalets
Location Welbedacht, Knysna
Design 2003-2004
Construction 2004
Scope of Work Design Development, Working Drawings, Site Inspections

Elephant Hide Lodge is situated on the cliff top in Welbedacht, Kynsna, overlooking the
Knysna Lagoon to the West. The concept sketches and images required for a Visual
Impact Assessment were produced by Don Brink. I took over the project at the Design
Development stage, and was assisted with council submission drawings by Tracey Mills-
Brink.

As the brief from the client required a game lodge type feel, and as the development is on a
piece of land which is highly visible, both from the road approaching Knysna (from the
west) as well as from the estuary, our main focus in the design was to create buildings
which blended in as much as possible with the surrounding landscape. This was achieved
utilising rough-sawn timber boards as external cladding, combined with elements of
stonework, and with deep eaves to provide plenty of shade onto walls and glazing. The
interiors, however, feature smooth skimmed surfaces, clean lines and minimal trimmings.
The buildings comprise of a main unit which has the reception area, kitchen and service
areas, and an open plan restaurant lounge area with a bar, and five one bedroom on-suite
chalets.

The clients, for budgetary reasons, and as they had the time to spare, opted to owner-
build, purchasing all the materials themselves and hiring labour-only contractors. Highly
detailed working drawings were provided, both to ensure correct detailing on site, as well
as assisting the client in quantifying materials required.

Jacques Cronje Portfolio 21

 The Kelway Hotel
Project type Hotel
Location Brookes Hill, Port Elizabeth
Construction 2003-2004
Scope of Work Concept sketches; Collaborated on Design Development and
Council Approval drawings; Working Drawings and Technical
Detailing, Site Inspections

The Kelway Hotel is situated at Brookes Hill, the site of the old P.E Caboose. The new part
of the hotel, which has 38 rooms, a Conference Centre, a restaurant and bar, was built next
to and adjoining the 'Sportsuites', a portion of the previous hotel.

The brief was to design a building that had a timber façade and concrete floor structures
with masonry internal walls between bedrooms and passages for the accommodation
areas, and to have an impressive timber structure at the entrance, restaurant and bar
areas.

I did the initial concept sketches, then worked in collaboration with Tracey Mills-Brink on
the Design Development and Council submission drawings, and was involved with the
working drawings, technical detailing and site inspections until completion of the project.
As the new part of the hotel, which was to be upmarket, had to link up with the existing 3
star section, one of the initial challenges was creating a design concept that worked in
terms of flow of occupants.

The site is long and narrow, and both groups of guests were to use the same reception
area. As this also had to be close to the restaurant and bar areas, a solution was required to
give both groups of guests access to the bedrooms without having to walk through or in
front of the entertainment areas. This was solved by having a wide passage (with a small
shop and internet room) along the facade at the reception level linking the entrance and
the existing ‘Sportsuites’. As entertainment areas and the conference room are in close
proximity to bedrooms a great deal of attention was given to acoustics.

The external walls to the bedrooms are built with T&B Log Homes' patented log wall
system and the detailing was done to suit the T&B building system. The log walls are fixed
to the ends of 230mm brick dividing walls between the bedrooms. The central reception /
bar area and main gable in the front are constructed of a combination of steel square and
u-section posts with steel I-beams onto which Laminated timber beams were bolted. As
the main gable faces north west, a low emissivity and high UV filtered glass has been used
in combination with an air extraction system, to maintain cool indoor temperatures.

Jacques Cronje Portfolio 22

Jacques Cronje Portfolio 23
 North Elevation

South East Elevation

South West Elevation North East Elevation

Jacques Cronje Portfolio 24