Aidlin Darling Design recasts an unremarkable midcentury home as a multigenerational retreat crowned by a living roof.
The steel bridge—which echoes the design language of the steel brise soleil—extends from the second-floor study into the rear garden.
Sustainability diagram of Terrace House by Aidlin Darling Design.
Jody’s favorite spot is outside on the deck. “I spend most of my time there. We’ve got two braais, and I braai just about every night,” he says, using the Afrikaans word for barbecue. “It’s not about the food for me,” he adds, “It’s about standing around the fire.” The platform sofas were designed by Scott, the dining table is by James Mudge Furniture Studio, and the Hee lounge and dining chairs are by Hay.
“At night, the chalet is transformed. When it is dark, the mirror effect of the reflection of the interior space in the windows completely changes the cabin’s relationship to its site and makes it appear larger,” adds Rasselet.
On the wall below the bed is a dashboard that enables wireless control of the living room. This dashboard has a smart mirror with face and gesture recognition, intelligent heating control by Tado°, and is paired with the Sonos sound system, Phillips Hue Lighting system, Amazon Echo system, and the house’s Kiwi.ki smart lock system.
The bright bathroom is fitted with skylight windows, and is equipped with Grohe fixtures and a walk-in rain shower.
The lofted bedroom features a king-size Casper Mattress, and a skylight window that allows for idyllic stargazing at night.
Under the bed platform is a large wardrobe, storage spaces, and a USB docking station.
The kitchenette includes a fridge, laundry machine, an integrated coffee machine, and a regular-size cooktop.
A built-in coffee machine in the kitchenette.
The bench along the window can be transformed into a guest bed.
Steps with built-in drawers lead up to the sleeping loft.
A four-person dining table is sited near the large picture window on the wider end of the house.
Intelligently crafted from high-quality, sustainable materials, this Cabin Spacey tiny house is also energy efficient, and equipped with smart home technology.
Even though the house can be connected to the city grid, it also has solar panels that collect energy from the sun and can produce its own energy.
Since the council wouldn't allow off-street parking or a dedicated crossover, the architects created a "hidden" sliding side gate (seen open in this image) to provide vehicle access if needed.