#7 The picture of perfection
The original stoep at the Van der Wats’ house in Parkview, Johannesburg was a thorn in their side: tiles that belonged inside were used outside and became slippery when it rained; there was no wall around the stoep, even though it was dangerously high in places; the steps to the stoep were impractically large and wide; and because no precaution had been taken to drain water, there were dirty water streaks down the walls. But the worst was probably the knotty roof with its skew pillars, says Riëtte.
“It was as if a previous owner started the project but either his desire to complete it or his money ran out. Because it was such an awkward space (there wasn’t enough shade, there was no braai area and it was actually just plain ugly) we used it very little. We also preferred to welcome people at the kitchen door, rather than at the front door which opens onto the stoep.”
After about three years, Izak, a civil engineer, channelled his inner architect, project manager, carpenter and builder to realise their dream of creating an inviting stoep. With the help of a team of builders led by Lovemore Sibanda of LM Construction, who were responsible for demolishing and construction, Izak got stuck in with a jack hammer to get rid of the old tiles. Little Izak and Leopold also “lent a hand”.
Izak designed a new roof that rests on wooden beams and attaches to pillars by means of steel brackets which he designed himself. The roof itself is made of 3mm galvanised corrugated iron, except in front of the front door, where one strip of polycarbonate lets in more light. “Izak stayed up late at night to design the stoep until every element fell into place,” Riëtte recalls.
The end result is a cosy, happy space where the family enjoys spending time together. It allows Izak and Riëtte to keep an eye on their kids in the garden and sandpit while they admire the birds in the jacaranda trees. And guests can now enter through the front door!