THE DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
The development of Fernwood has been one of a holistic approach,
whereby the Architecture and Landscaping result in a development
sympathetic to the natural “forest” setting.
Dwellings should be contextually sympathetic to the topography
and natural hues of the environment.
The resulting architecture should be one in which, contemporary “forest
hut” type buildings of modest scale, grow out of the
site. It is expected that architectural concepts be developed
with sympathy to the environment and that introduction foreign
styles i.e. “Tuscan” or “Georgian” be
discouraged. Buildings should be seen as a series of forms
whereby each form’s siting, height, scale, etc., may
respond and adjust to the natural topography. Large scales
cut and
fill type developments are seen as very unsympathetic and will
not be allowed. The intention is to develop a unique cohesive
architectural character as an appropriate response to a sensitive
environment evocative of Knysna as a “Genius Loci”.
This will be promoted by the use of natural stone, timber and
other building materials that will be common throughout Knysna.
Earthy and natural tones will allow buildings to merge with
the landscape, and together with natural stone retaining walls,
create a development that compliments the environment rather
than contrasts with
it.
The beauty of these
buildings is characterized by an architectural simplicity and
order, and an elegance and humanising sense of scale and proportion.
Furthermore, the individual buildings group well within a ‘village
type’ urban setting
to create a visually harmonious development.
The scale, proportion and simplicity of these villages are
characteristics that Fernwood envisages. These buildings should
portray an elegance and simplicity that is typical of a concept
of living that the Estate will create in a tranquil setting
for a modern society. The dwellings should therefore be contextually
sensitive, and it is important that the owners and their architects
buy into the vision for the Estate, and work together to support
the principals of the guidelines and create an environment
that is visually harmonious.
The design manual allows for a variety of external and internal
architectural responses, and the overall character of the development
will be evident through the use of harmonizing external elements
such as wall colour and finish, roof covering and standardized
form of boundary and site walling. Earthy coloured walls combined
with ship lapped planking, elements of natural stone, timber
or neutrally coloured aluminium windows and shutters, as well
as either slate or pitched charcoal coloured roofing, all of
which refer to simple vernacular style, will characterise the
development.
Please DOWNLOAD pdf
to view complete Architectural Guidelines for Knysna
Private Security Estate
Please DOWNLOAD pdf
to view complete Constitution of Homeowners Association
Please CLICK
HERE to view Phase II Cottage plans - Type 1
Please CLICK
HERE to view Phase II
Cottage plans - Type 2
|
