House Luckhoff, Onrust River

Abstract

House Luckhoff, Onrust River [Onrus River or Onrusrivier], Western Cape, 1981. Fagan's predilection for the stereotomic quality of the Cape vernacular wall results in his houses displaying a masonry architecture that acts both as structure and enclosure. Fagan asserts this is necessary in a Mediterranean climate to provide sufficient thermal mass. The most developed approach occurs in houses such as Paradys (2003) and Luckhoff (1981). In House Luckhoff the openings are arched to extend structural and formal integrity. The stereotomic tradition of brick-vaulted roofs has been translated so that roof, wall and floor all become one, attaining a complete plastic unity. The limited brick palette also fosters economical construction.