Alterations and additions to an existing three bedroomed home in Claremont that included reconfiguration of living areas to create a more open plan space for entertaining and creation of a new master suite with landscaped garden. Sustainable features that were part of the new design include new rainwater tanks, well point and filtration, grey water system, solar PVs and solar water heating. 

This unique 5-bedroom villa is set on a 2913sqm site in the coastal town of Betty’s Bay, directly adjacent to the Harry Porter Botanical Gardens and surrounded by scenic forest and mountains. The concrete and timber clad villa takes its cue from the landscape, with two wings shifted above a dry river bed, raised on pilotis in order to maximise views from within the tree canopy and retain as much of the indigenous forest floor below as possible. Sustainable features include use of FSC rated cross-laminated timber structure, on-site blackwater treatment, naturally ventilated design, rainwater storage and re-use and solar water heating. The building has been sited to take advantage of views and north orientation, and responds to the different ‘terrestrial identities’ of the site. The programme links these naturally occurring pockets of space on the site, carefully avoiding existing trees, and maximising views and natural light. 

A new lifestyle estate set on a 7000sqm site on a quiet cul-de-sac that includes an existing manor house and established landscape. The irregular site centred around Highwick House provides the opportunity to create three standalone buildings, including independent living apartments with private gardens and balconies, upmarket restaurant and bar, as well as underground parking, freeing up the ground level for gardens and pathways for the enjoyment of residents.

Alterations and additions to an existing family home set on the slopes of Hout Bay, with panoramic views towards the surrounding mountain ranges and towards the bay. A new wing has been added to the first floor, with master suite, lounge and large terrace taking advantage of the spectacular views, as well as an en-suite flatlet with separate entrance. The ground floor has undergone some minor alterations to open up the living space, creating a more open plan and enlarged kitchen, living and dining area. The new fully glazed upper level is capped with a flat concrete roof, making a contemporary addition to the existing house.  

A new luxury residential estate in Kenilworth, comprised of 8 two- or three-bedroomed duplex homes, each with large open plan living spaces, double garages and small, easy to maintain north-facing gardens. While designed to cater for fully independent living, and with its own separate entrance and address, the estate benefits from the community and amenities provided at the adjacent Wytham Estate.

A specialised frailcare and dementia care development in Kenilworth, designed to offer the highest level of care in a safe and comforting environment. Set on a large suburban site the complex incorporates an existing heritage building, repurposed as the new public interface for the estate. Separate frailcare and dementia wings have been added to the north and south of the existing building, their design sensitive to the existing building’s height and scale. The site plan incorporates the surrounding garden and mature trees with several new intimate garden spaces provided. The dementia wing adopts a circular circulation route, avoiding dead ends and also includes a circular sensory garden walk. The design prioritises the residents’ experience alongside operational considerations in order to create a calming, caring space for what is an extremely challenging and sensitive stage of life.

Completed in 2018, the new development at Delaire Graff Estate extends the Relaix & Chauteau luxury hotel’s offering with six 76sqm one-bedroomed Superior Lodges in a contemporary Cape architectural style. Each lodge includes a generous bedroom and lounge area and private outdoor space, finely detailed and finished, with Interior design by world renowned UK based David Collins Studio.

David lead the project team as an Associate Director at dhk, and continued his role on the project as a consultant to dhk, after leaving dhk and starting PLATFORM. The role also included Principal Agency.

Completed early 2019, the ultra-luxurious 660sqm Villa comprises 4 bedrooms with private terrace and pool area. The building is sited on the western slopes of Delaire Graff estate, with unparalleled views to table mountain, Botmanskop and the Simonsberg. Interior design by world renowned UK based David Collins Studio.

David lead the project team as an Associate Director at dhk, and after leaving dhk and establishing PLATFORM, continued his role on the project as a consultant to dhk. The role also included Principal Agency.

A new sports centre for Tembaletu School for Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN) in Gugulethu. The project was initiated by OCAL Global, a non-profit focused on empowering differently abled people, with the aim to create a world class accessible sports facility. The centre will house a fully accessible four-court sports hall and gym with an elevated running track and spectator seating. A translucent wraparound façade exposes the movement within and allows light into the space to become a glowing beacon at night.

David lead the project team as an Associate Director at dhk, and continued his role on the project as a consultant to dhk, after leaving and starting PLATFORM. David also provided sustainability consulting to the client, OCAL GLOBAL through PLATFORM, providing a green-star pathway to a potential 5 star design rating.

Design and financial viability study for a development project in the heart of Newlands to create three new residential units on two existing erven with a combined area of 898sqm. The three double storey sectional title units include off street parking, 3/4 bedrooms, open plan living areas and private gardens.  

Langa has an estimated 4000 children of pre-school-going age, of which existing ECD centres in the area only provide for around half.

 Many of these existing community-based facilities are at best informal, and unregistered, ranging from single shacks or converted containers with open yards, to an adapted RDP houses. Due to their informal nature, most are non-compliant with the municipal by-law and the South African National Building Standards and therefore unable to obtain accreditation from the Departments of Education or Social Development. Most of these facilities charge minimal fees, which are not paid regularly, and do not have any other source of income. Without accreditation, they are unable to access funding from the government, private sector or NGOs.

In collaboration with Rotary Club of Newlands, Breadline Africa, and the Langa Community ECD Forum, Platform has completed a full survey and documentation of 15 of these existing ECD centres that currently serve around 800 children. This will assist in assessing where compliance issues can be resolved, and possible upgrades required. The aim is to facilitate the compliance, accreditation and ultimately access to funding to improve their provision of services, quality of care and access for more children.