Stratfords Guesthouse Overview & Comments

Overview & Comments

Stratfords comprises of two wings running in the east/west direction with a central space terminating at the east end with a plunge / swimming pool, with a patio covered by a gum-pole fan that radiates out from the north wing studio and office.

Sunlight and its effective management by design, plays a fundamental role in highlighting the exterior forms of the building and illuminating the interior spaces through high placed windows. East and west-facing narrow windows and generous north-facing sliding doors are shaded by different devices. At night dichroic lamps highlight the brick colonnaded walkway and define the entrances. Interiors are complimented by furniture designed by Al Stratford and by specially made heavy curtaining braided with Xhosa motifs and other decorative items.

External and internal building finishes are left natural: pigmented concrete-block walls, off-shutter concrete, timber and pigmented concrete floors, and galvanised steel-work. Colour is introduced into the curved ceilings of the bedrooms and other spaces, and doors and window frames.