
Huibrie Steyl, along with fiancé Tim Watson, was the 6th 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!