Whether it is due to El Niño or climate change we don’t know, but we do know that we can agree that this year we skipped Spring and plunged into Summer. Most of us in Gauteng have felt the effects of extraordinarily hot past few weeks with little or no rainfall to help cool our environment down. For many of us an air-conditioner is not an option, so our homes  become unbearably hot and uncomfortable.

At Stand 47, the outdoor temperatures have been peaking around 40 degrees. Today October 18th, was not a particularly hot day compared with the recent heat wave, yet the high at 14.30 was 42.5 degrees. Despite being made with steel, Stand 47’s hi-tech building systems ensured that the indoor temperature at that time (with no windows open for the whole day) was only 26 degrees.

This 16.5 degree difference is part of what helps maintain Stand 47’s internal temperature comfort throughout the year. Given the predictions made by Climate Change scientists that summers will become hotter and winters colder, having a home that is designed and built to maintain the internal temperatures within a comfortable range all year long, is not only a clever financial decision, but also an important choice for well-being.

Huibrie Steyl, along with fiancé Tim Watson, was the 6^th Rest Pilot in the Stand 47 #RestTest experience.

Huibrie is an architect at GLH architects in Killarney, Johannesburg. GLH is one of the longest running South African architecture firms, with 70 years’ experience in designing high-end commercial and residential projects. Her specific interest in Stand 47 was to test the innovative technologies used in the house, particularly sound insulation and flexibility on the interior, and material weathering on the exterior. We thought her specialist feedback would be valuable.

Stand 47 : What was your first impression of the house and did anything specific catch your attention?

Huibrie & Tim: The curb appeal of this house is one of the best we have ever seen. It is highly impressive, and the experience of the house inside is no less impressive. The house seems comfortable and the internal temperature feels just right. The inside-outside relationship of the house is also striking.

Stand 47 : How does the real thing compare with your expectations?

Huibrie & Tim: Nice… above expectation.

Stand 47 : Tell us about a night at Stand 47. Give us details!

Huibrie & Tim: At 12PM, it was not chilly outside and the temperature inside still felt just right at 22 degrees. The temperature inside the house versus outside, on a summer evening is slightly warm, but not hot even though we are experiencing a heat wave in Gauteng. It feels inviting and homely. The experience of this house for us as a couple without children is extremely comfortable. Feelings of creativity and comfort go hand in hand with our experience.

Stand 47 : What is your opinion of the home next morning?

Huibrie & Tim: We were extremely comfortable in this house…10 out of 10! We found the house to be surprisingly more quiet than a traditional brick house. In fact, we screamed at each other through the wall and it is surprisingly soundproof! For a larger family, this should mean comfort for the whole family.

Stand 47: Could you describe your favourite aspect of the home?

Huibrie & Tim: For us, our favourite aspect was the surprisingly soundproofed interior and its relationship to the exterior. We also loved the air quality inside the house and the overall feeling of tranquility. This house has positively changed our perception of houses built without bricks that use this specific technology.

Stand 47: And finally, we have to know, would you live here?

Tim & Huibrie: Yes, we would be happy living in a home like this one!

Lizl Sheridan is a Joburg based architect committed to sustainable client-focused architecture and is also the fifth Rest Pilot in the # Rest Test experience.

Lizl is also a Green Star SA Accredited Professional for new buildings and the managing director of an architectural firm that specializes in luxury housing in eco estates. Creating a sustainable environment through innovative thinking and leading edge technologies is at the heart of her work. As a professional interested in using Stand 47’s technology and its sustainable high performance materials in her own designs, Lizl is the perfect candidate for our #RestTest experience.

Stand 47 : What was your first impression of the house and did anything specific catch your attention?

Lizl : Very impressive! I love the tranquil feeling from the outside and the feeling of spaciousness in the interior. The open plan living area creates an easy living feeling.

Stand 47 : How does the real thing compare with your expectations?

Lizl : Wow… significantly above expectation.

Stand 47 : Tell us about a night at Stand 47. Give us details!

Lizl : At 9PM, it was chilly outside. The inside temperature was 23 degrees and it felt just right. The house was also no less quiet than a traditional house and it felt very comfortable!

Stand 47 : What is your opinion of the home next morning?

Lizl : I slept very well at Stand 47 and the home was nice and quiet overnight. This home has positively changed my idea of homes built without bricks and I would feel productive and happy in such a space.

Stand 47: Could you describe your favourite aspect of the home?

Lizl : I have a feeling of calm inside this house that would encourage creativeness! This home is perfect for entertaining family and friends. But I especially love the use of different materials, especially the glass facade and rock cladding.

Stand 47: And finally, we have to know, would you live here?

Lizl: Hell Yes!