‘When I designed The Conservatory, a home for my parents, I was guided by fundamental principles: the architecture should not try too hard; internal and external spaces should flow into one another, creating a natural connection,’ says Nadine. Her name has become synonymous with ‘off-grid’ as she showcases a raw yet refined approach to contemporary homestead-style living: from The Conservatory, on the outskirts of Pretoria, to Leitch Homestead, a four-bedroom house on a rehabilitated sugar-cane plantation, just outside Ballito.
The slope dictates
The topography and landscape of the site are always the starting point. The Conservatory follows the natural slope of the land, nestled into the hillside to minimise its visual impact. After construction, native grasslands were rehabilitated to prevent soil erosion, and water-wise plants were introduced to aid drainage and create a low-maintenance garden. Slung low on its plot on the Fairview Estate, Leitch Homestead blends in with the straight-line topography, perfectly placed in its position. The goal is to minimise the impact of the building on the natural environment, preserve as much of the natural slope and vegetation as possible, and use these elements to enhance the connection to the outdoors.
Brick, veld, metal
‘As designers, we choose materials and resources to shape the environment. It’s important to showcase the materials we use and take pride in the origins of the structure,’ explains Nadine. South Africa has a long history of brick construction with simple, apex roofs made of sheet metal. By maintaining this historical reference and using existing knowledge of construction, the process becomes simpler and more cost-effective. For The Conservatory, raw cement-washed stock bricks create the exterior walls, offering an understated yet durable finish. A traditional sheet-metal roof, common in the area, reinforces the connection to local building traditions.
The initial design concept for Leitch Homestead was inspired by the clients’ vision for sustainable living and the Ningbo Historic Museum in China, designed by architect Wang Shu. Part of the homestead was designed using local quarry stone, brick, and roof sheeting. Timber was chosen as the primary structural material for its renewability and its reference to old barn beams, another source of inspiration for the project.
Grid-free by design
Using local materials is a necessity. In today’s world, everything is cost-sensitive — financially, and in terms of resource usage and environmental impact. ‘Sustainability and off-grid design are no longer luxuries; they are essential. The Earth and our clients can’t afford to ignore this,’ says Nadine.
Both Leitch Homestead and The Conservatory prioritise sustainability through energy-efficient designs. Leitch Homestead, fully off- grid, incorporates passive strategies such as cross-ventilation, solar heating, and shading to maintain comfort without excessive heating or cooling. Similarly, The Conservatory employs passive heating and cooling with its semi-buried design, strategically placed windows, and high-thermal-mass bricks for effective temperature regulation. Its orientation maximises solar gain, and, like Leitch Homestead, it is entirely off-grid, featuring solar panels, water heaters, and farm dams to ensure self-sufficiency.
Raw meets refined
Simplicity can be achieved without sacrificing authenticity, and ultimately, a building can be both raw and refined. At its core, The Conservatory and Leitch Homestead exemplify Nadine’s work, which embodies the fusion of regional tradition with modern, sustainable techniques. By respecting local building traditions and responding to the unique climate and landscape of the area, the design creates a timeless space that is as functional as it is beautiful.
