A family comprising Durban-based Architect Illani du Plessis, her husband Ben Marais and their 2 sons boldly undertook the journey of building an unconventional, self-sustaining and functional barndominium on a 2-hectare smallholding along the KZN North Coast near Ballito.
Steel profiled roofing and cladding played a major role in what would be a remarkable and handsome-looking barn/residence. According to Vera Benecke, Safintra Sales Manager in Durban “We supplied NEWLOKTM for the cladding and SAFLOKⓇ 700 for the roofing, both of which were roll-formed on site using our mobile mill”.
Both profiles were rolled from Safal Steel’s COLORPLUSⓇ AZ150 in colour Thunderstorm. Daniel van Rensburg the project manager from MJC Roofing adds: “We worked with 338m2 of SAFLOKⓇ 700 for the roof and 452m2 of NEWLOKTM as cladding for the exterior walls”.
Key timelines and information: House Marais
Construction start date: October 2022
Construction completion date: October 2023
Building Typology: Barndominium, steel construction framing and cladding
Roofing: SAFLOKⓇ 700, COLORPLUSⓇ AZ150 0.53 – Colour Thunderstorm – 382m²
Cladding: NEWLOKTM, COLORPLUSⓇ AZ150 0.53 – Colour Thunderstorm – 452m²
Design and execution
According to co-owner and principal Architect, Illani: “Ben and I are both creative. While our beloved Durban starter home had benefited from having every space reimagined and renovated, we wanted something different. We had always craved space and the freedom in which to be both bold and authentic. This desire was amplified by the confinement associated with the COVID pandemic.”
So, when the owners found a 2-hectare small holding in Fairview Estates, the plan came together. Indeed, the estate offered a great location on the North Coast, secure farm living and the blank canvas that they sought to build on. The site itself offered magnificent views, sunrises and orientation.
So first the couple built a 60m2 cottage using reclaimed brick and structural steel. This was used for 10 months while completing the barndominium. The small cottage offers large living possibilities and is currently used as a guest cottage.
“We designed the barn to meet all our real-world needs before anything else, by designing a comfortable family living space, a dedicated office and meeting area for the IDP Architects’ practice, a room for live-in staff working the small holding, a produce store and a farm workshop. The magic though is in how the interior spaces connect.
We placed a central atrium between the functional zones and our living area. This afforded a sun-drenched indoor garden, a play area, and a space to slow down and breathe. This is where nature, light and family life all converge.”, Illani continues.
Natural lighting, ventilation and sustainability measures
Steel roofing and cladding, along with transparent polycarbonate cladding to the double volume atrium, provides diffused natural light and interior climate control. Vents below draw in cool air, and high-level automated windows that allow warm air to escape. This all works without air-conditioning, even on hot summer days. “Inside the atrium, the lush vegetation from large trees growing in underfloor Jo-Jo tanks are highlighted against the dark matt walls. The effect is to frame the view outwards and make us feel grounded in the space” she adds.
The barndominium is also completely off-grid: Solar power caters for all energy needs. Rainwater from both the 400m² barn roof and the cottage is harvested and stored in a dam, filtered through a reed bed and reused for consumption and irrigation.
Open-source automation is used to manage energy requirements, water reticulation and its sterilisation. The system also links to an on-site weather station, adjusting ventilation and managing temperature.
Passive climate design ensures comfort for the occupants. It is further augmented via cross-ventilation and the thermal mass effect of the concrete floors and internal brickwork.
Building materials selected also reflect the values of the owners, including reclaimed bricks and the materials used in the building envelope. Hence each finish and each system is chosen for simplicity, longevity, and light environmental impact.
The building envelope
Selecting a sustainable roofing and cladding material, Illani explains that Safintra’s steel sheeting (NEWLOKTM) forms part of the ventilated façade over internal brickwork. This helps to keep the interior cool in summer and warm in winter. “The more aesthetically pleasing of the two, NEWLOKTM, beautifies the walls”, she adds.
At the same time, SAFLOKⓇ 700 roll-formed from COLORPLUSⓇ in AZ150 covers the roof.
“This wasn’t a glossy Architect’s project handed over to a construction crew. We were hands-on from day one—planning, sourcing, problem-solving. It is a family project in the true sense. The process stretched us and tested us, but it also brought us closer and gave us an immense sense of pride” she concludes.
Adding to this, Safintra with its high tech locally manufactured profiles were there every step of the way, supporting both the designers and their roofing/cladding contractor, MJC Roofing.
While Ben and Illani admit they’re still recovering from the demands of such an ambitious build, they’re already quietly imagining the final phase of the project. This will entail a three-bedroom forever home addition, complete with an internal courtyard nestled between the existing structures.
With no rush and time on their side, the guiding ambition for this next step is simple— to savour the process and enjoy every moment of bringing it to life. And Safintra will be there to support them when needed with world-class roofing and cladding products.
Professional team
Owners: Illani du Plessis and Ben Marais
Architects: Illani du Plessis and Ben Marais
Project Managers: Illani du Plessis and Ben Marais
Steelwork Contracting: RP Construction (fabrication and installation)
Roofing and Cladding Contractor: MJC Industrial Roofing
General Building: Owner built and local small contractors
Steel Roofing and Cladding: Safal Steel
Roll Former: Safintra
Photos by: Illani du Plessis
