Blythedale Coastal Resort's living spaces are influenced by the natural design tools of ocean breezes, sunlight and the crash of the waves. This is why an African Courtyard design has been adopted, to let the great outdoors in.

Incorporating KwaZulu Natal’s North Coast farmhouse styles, this contemporary, spacious and natural design code allows form to follow function, setting a trend through the simplistic use of technology and sound design principles. As a result sun decks, filtered light, and verandas are key features which create a living courtyard with spectacular views.

spaces is achieved through means of light, transparent walls, and the limited use of punctured solid planes. This transparent envelope is augmented by a series of shutters and screens that give depth to the elevation whilst providing the requisite shade and privacy.

Cluster units in the first phase around the Golf Estate are designed as a central piazza, around the hill. The street walkways meander not only to the units, but also to the Piazza garden court, where each village will have its own clubhouse and pool facility, creating a safe environment for families.

The bottom link court meanders down to the Golf Course, making it a romantic and nostalgic lifestyle for holiday and permanent residence. Units will boast sea views, as with emphasis being placed on privacy as well as quality lifestyle with all its amenities within the Resort.

A general language is described as follows:

Roof

• Deep eaves overhangs are encouraged
• Pitched roofs to be gabled with preferable ventilation and light penetration
• Open or closed eaves are permissible
• Rainwater removal to be considered as integral with the roof and building

The Architecture

• Courtyard architecture is encouraged
• No decorative pediments/applied feature trusses will be permitted
• Roof material to be profile sheets and flat roof tiles in natural materials

Walls

• Combination of masonry work and lightweight ‘screens’
• Glazed walls layered with screening devices
• Excessive use of solid planes with punctured openings is discouraged but will be considered in courtyard boundary walls
• The contrast of a variety of textures is encouraged – smooth plaster, bag washed masonry, natural stone work, off shutter concrete etc
• Glazed walls are encouraged
• Lightweight cladding to stud frame construction
• Natural stone work to 15% of wall surface, stone plinths are discouraged

Verandahs, porches, and pergolas

• Lean to verandahs and ‘outdoor rooms’ are encouraged
• The use of natural materials is encouraged to blur the indoor/outdoor boundaries and to create transitional zones and climatic control
• The use of screens and natural timber pergolas is encouraged
• Preferred balustrade styles to be determined
• Natural timber decking
• Galvanised and/or painted steel framework
• Balustrades: galvanised and painted steel
• Stainless steel
• Natural timber

Apertures (windows and doors)

• The introduction of apertures will be by way of a defined proportioning system
• Sliding glazed walls and picture windows are encouraged
• The excessive use of small punctured openings is discouraged
• Full glazed doors are encouraged

Colour palette

• Muted earth tones
• Light colours
• Charcoal, pebble gray, iced coffee, papyrus, savannah’s, browns and creams are the preferred colours in order to blend with the natural environment.

Natural materials are encouraged, including stone, glass, wood, steel and concrete, designed in such a manner that the outside finishes are reflected internally. Roofs play a vital role in the design, and described in the design guidelines. Verandahs and courtyards are encouraged and create privacy as well as depth and environmental qualities to the building inside and outside. Earthy colours and textures are encouraged, playing off against softer, more neutral and timeless colours.

Big glazed sliding doors, windows and walls are encouraged with lots of wooden decks and vistas celebrating the courtyard lifestyle.

Services are to be hidden and integrated within the design. Conservation of water and other related services are to be environmentally encouraged and integrated within the environmental management plan for the development.