It is always a treat when the proud homeowners of a Cemcrete project are also the Architect and Interior Designer. They offer a special point of view of their entire Cemcrete journey, from selecting a colour to living with the finished product.
The husband-and-wife team that make up studioSALT, Charrisse and Ian, invited us into their arresting home they have been working on together for quite a few years. The plot in Kommetjie, Western Cape, has been in Ian’s name for 24 years before he and Charrisse decided to start developing their dream home right on the seaboard.
Come and take a tour through their exquisite designer home.
The husband-and-wife team that make up studioSALT, Charrisse and Ian, invited us into their arresting home they have been working on together for quite a few years. The plot in Kommetjie, Western Cape, has been in Ian’s name for 24 years before he and Charrisse decided to start developing their dream home right on the seaboard.
Come and take a tour through their exquisite designer home.
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How would you describe the style of your home?
Our home does not fit any particular design "style". It is contemporary in its layout and features, but the materials, construction methods, and furnishings are a blend of traditional and modern.
What was your inspiration that led you to this design style?
Our aim was to create a comfortable, welcoming, healthy and unpretentious home. As a professional architect and interior designer, it was important to us that we use as many locally produced resources as possible. We also wanted the house to be high performance as far as energy efficiency, daylighting and maintenance. So, there's nothing "precious" about the house – everything is there for a reason.
Why did you choose Cemcrete floor finishes for your home?
It's a beach house on a dirt road and we have both a dog and a cat, so we knew that the ground floor would get messy! We wanted a floor finish that not only looked great but was easy to clean. Cemcrete fit the bill.
What Cemcrete products and colours did you choose and why?
Colour Hardener in House Blend, a perfect grey that's neither too warm nor too cool. Since the house is new, we were dealing with fresh screed, so Colour Hardener fit the bill and has worked very well.
What is your favourite characteristic of a cement finish?
It's a tie between the mottled color and the easy maintenance.
Would you say Cemcrete finishes are pet-friendly?
Absolutely.
Being the Architects & Interior Designer of your own home, how will you describe your journey with Cemcrete from specifying to living with the finished product?
We were lucky enough to work with a fantastic builder – Darren Breed of Rezone Projects – who has had great results with Cemcrete products in the past. So, we trusted his recommendation. The installation was also impeccable, and the locations of the expansion joints were well thought out, so we've had no problems whatsoever. Charrisse is a neat freak so she sweeps or mops every day, and the floor looks as good now as the day we moved in.
Any tips for prospective homeowners when choosing finishes for their homes?
Don't just focus on how a finish looks or how much it costs. Really think hard about how you will use the space, and how much effort you want to put into maintaining it. Something that looks gorgeous but scratches easily or requires harmful chemicals to install or clean is not practical. And especially today, coming off a global pandemic, it's more important than ever to have finishes that are durable and easily sanitized.
Our home does not fit any particular design "style". It is contemporary in its layout and features, but the materials, construction methods, and furnishings are a blend of traditional and modern.
What was your inspiration that led you to this design style?
Our aim was to create a comfortable, welcoming, healthy and unpretentious home. As a professional architect and interior designer, it was important to us that we use as many locally produced resources as possible. We also wanted the house to be high performance as far as energy efficiency, daylighting and maintenance. So, there's nothing "precious" about the house – everything is there for a reason.
Why did you choose Cemcrete floor finishes for your home?
It's a beach house on a dirt road and we have both a dog and a cat, so we knew that the ground floor would get messy! We wanted a floor finish that not only looked great but was easy to clean. Cemcrete fit the bill.
What Cemcrete products and colours did you choose and why?
Colour Hardener in House Blend, a perfect grey that's neither too warm nor too cool. Since the house is new, we were dealing with fresh screed, so Colour Hardener fit the bill and has worked very well.
What is your favourite characteristic of a cement finish?
It's a tie between the mottled color and the easy maintenance.
Would you say Cemcrete finishes are pet-friendly?
Absolutely.
Being the Architects & Interior Designer of your own home, how will you describe your journey with Cemcrete from specifying to living with the finished product?
We were lucky enough to work with a fantastic builder – Darren Breed of Rezone Projects – who has had great results with Cemcrete products in the past. So, we trusted his recommendation. The installation was also impeccable, and the locations of the expansion joints were well thought out, so we've had no problems whatsoever. Charrisse is a neat freak so she sweeps or mops every day, and the floor looks as good now as the day we moved in.
Any tips for prospective homeowners when choosing finishes for their homes?
Don't just focus on how a finish looks or how much it costs. Really think hard about how you will use the space, and how much effort you want to put into maintaining it. Something that looks gorgeous but scratches easily or requires harmful chemicals to install or clean is not practical. And especially today, coming off a global pandemic, it's more important than ever to have finishes that are durable and easily sanitized.
View the full Home Tour gallery here.
