AN ECO-FRIENDLY, MODERN HOUSE

An Eco-Friendly, Modern House –With Impressive Views – Outside Cape Town.

The home has a photovoltaic home-automation system, which operates everything from the lights, security and irrigation systems to the home’s underfloor heating.

This contemporary house, nestled in the beautiful Constantina Valley, sits on over an acre of native South African Fynbos garden.

Described by the home’s agent, Barbara Manning, as a “private nature reserve,” the property is surrounded by mature ironwood trees, and offers panoramic views across the valley toward the mountains from Devil’s Peak to Constantina Nek and Silvermine, and out over the glistening False Bay.

The home is both stylish and eco-friendly.

The airiness of the open-plan home is balanced by the warmth of Italian wood-burning fireplaces. Floating furnishings such as worktops and beds are in-keeping with the home’s economic design, while a solar and wind powered home automation system affords the greener lifestyle that many buyers seek.

The stylish home boast a highly eco-friendly, 10KW photovoltaic homeautomation system, which operates everything from the lights, the security and irrigation systems and the pool pump to the interior blinds and shutters and underfloor heating. The system is solar powered by day and wind turbine powered by night.

A heated and oxygenated, marbelite, L-shaped pool and spa hugs the back garden patio, and its infinity edge looks out upon a vista of lush greenery and mountains. The home also features garage space for three cars and a private wine cellar.

Cape Town is considered the cosmopolitan capital of South Africa, combining a vibrant, multicultural metropolis with stunning wild nature

Designer savings that start on the drawing board

In the luxury home sector, saving often begins at the drawing board with astute developers, architects and homeowners agreeing on the following most common sustainability investments.

Locally-produced building materials: these produce a lower carbon footprint as opposed to imported options that travel great distances to find their final homes.

Designing with climates in mind: high ceilings are dictating ceiling volume, not only as a statement of luxury, but as a natural way to keep buildings cool in hotter climates.

Solar interventions to replace geysers: an intervention like a solar water heater can take up to six years to pay for itself, but can also save up to 60% of the electricity bill for most of the year when the sun is doing the work, at no cost.

Heating for homes in the shade: heat pumps for water are also a worthwhile consideration and use less than half the electricity of the average geyser, generally paying for themselves within 24 months.

Temperature controls: astute developers are planning for temperature control upfront with ceiling insulation that serves homeowners through both warmer and cooler seasons, closed combustion fireplaces, and ceiling fans instead of air conditioners.

Energy-efficient appliances: dual-flushing toilets and gas stoves are fast becoming favoured options.

Smart technology: finally, switch off and turn down from anywhere in the world, by simply using your phone – this must be one of the ultimate eco-friendly luxuries.