HOUSE J1
Designed for two families sharing one property, this project balances the need for connection with the importance of privacy. A contemporary barn forms the heart of the layout, with two homes arranged around it to share views and amenities without compromising personal space. The exposed nature of the site informed the placement of buildings to create sheltered outdoor pockets and comfortable microclimates. Interiors combine open, light-filled living zones with quieter bedroom wings, offering both generosity and retreat. Sustainability is central to the project, with renewable energy systems, rainwater harvesting, and passive strategies integrated from the outset.
Choosing Illani was the best decision we made. My wife and I had wildly different design ideas — at times conflicting — but Illani masterfully brought them together into a single, coherent, and beautiful design. She has a rare ability to understand not just design and form, but also how a family lives. Our home in Fairview, Ballito, feels full of light and space, and the clever postbox windows perfectly frame the unique views of the farming estate. Her build management is superb, making the entire process stress-free. I highly recommend her.
Rob Jardine
