Paradys, Langebaan

Abstract

Fagan’s own holiday house, Paradys in Langebaan, was built in 2003. It’s design had to subscribe to aesthetic guidelines in terms of wall finish, roof pitch and materials, but he introduced a Mediterranean barrel-vaulted roof element in contrast with the flat roofed aesthetic that was required. This, and a blue colour he introduced, have since become part of the aesthetic guidelines. Paradys in Langebaan stands in stark contrast to its double storey neighbours, as it hugs the ground and allows views from the road to the sea. The large volume is disguised by using the slope of the site, with only one level exposed to the road. Paradys is iconic in its form making but, through its siting, hides below the road. It announces its presence only on the western ocean edge and through an exaggerated chimney. The barrel-vaults achieve structural efficiency, where the brick walls and roofs merge to form unified entities of structure and enclosure. A Stauch influenced efficiency is Fagan’s use of the space over the passageway to the bedrooms as sleeping lofts for the children. Each bedroom has an ablution pod. The tension between the wall and roof elements results in a dichotomy and hybridity of form that prevents a spatial monotony, while allowing flexibility in the use of space.