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This new feature is speaking to buyers planning to build a new home at Kingswood, as well as residents wanting to renovate. What are the processes and rules, how do the penalties work, who is responsible for site management? Lindy Bekker of KDC Architects sheds some light on the subject, and Daniel de Wet gets the final word …
The Kingswood Architectural Review Committee (KARC) was established to provide easy access to information for new residents building their dream home, or existing homeowners ready to renovate.
Kingswood CEO Willem Jacobs serves as chairman of the committee and is supported by a handful of KARC members, notably architect Lindy Bekker who, together with colleague Virgil Townshend, runs the KDC Architects office at the Kingswood gatehouse.
The BUZZard: Serving as architectural consultants on the Kingswood review committee, you’re in the best position to advise on the starting point for both new-buyer builders and current residents wanting to renovate. Do they simply study the 27-page Architectural Guidelines and Design Manual, or just make a date with KDC Architects for advice from the word go?
Lindy Bekker: New owners receive the Architectural Guidelines and Design Manual as part of the purchase agreement, along with other pertinent documents for Kingswood Golf Estate. It is in their interest to study these guidelines, particularly if they wish to build or renovate.
At KDC Architects, we are often asked for help in this regard, to explain what is achievable on the property within the bounds of the Architectural Guideline and Design Manual. The homeowners association also provides guidance for those looking to renovate or build.
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TB: Once this process has commenced, what are the next steps?
LB: Owners need to schedule an appointment with their architect to draft the necessary plans, but are also welcome to make an appointment with me on 082 770 3280 or at lindyb@kdcarchitects.co.za with a view to involving KDC Architects.
We work closely with clients on their design requirements and, once we have client approval of the architectural plans, we submit these on their behalf to the Architectural Review Committee. As soon as the HOA has communicated their approval, we submit the drawings electronically to George Municipality for approval.
TB: The rules and regulations are extensive, but is it possible to provide a nutshell version of design guides, i.e. the most important considerations when planning your home?
LB: All estates have design guidelines. It is important to go through these really carefully to ascertain what one may or may not do. At Kingswood Golf Estate, the height restriction, building lines, 50% coverage, and ground to first floor ratios along with stormwater control are important factors.
In terms of the Cape Vernacular style requirement, the Architectural Review Committee looks specifically at roof pitch, window style – given that these need to be in vertical proportion (taller than they are wide) – and there is an external colour palette one needs to be cognisant of.
When it comes to gardens, there is an approved plant list on the Kingswood Golf Estate website, and planning your garden with this list in mind is an absolute requirement.
TB: Who is responsible for site management?
LB: Normally, individual site management is done by the homeowner, or alternatively by the owner’s representative. This is most often the architect or builder engaged to do the work on the property.
When referring to Kingswood in general, the HOA is responsible for ensuring that building contractors comply with Kingswood requirements relative to all building activity.
TB: What are the core rules for building at Kingswood and, when these rules are broken, what are the penalties?
LB: As with all estates, there are penalties for those failing to adhere to the rules. These may be viewed on the Kingswood Golf Estate website – refer to the Kingswood Home Owners Constitution, House Rules, Environmental Compliance and Builders Code of Conduct.
There is a Schedule of Penalties for construction infringements on the website as well. Homeowners are really encouraged to make contact with the HOA before making amendments to approved building plans, lest they incur penalties as a result thereof.
Don’t mess with the man
Daniel de Wet has been part of the Kingswood furniture since the estate’s early days, and in his capacity as Facilities Manager, he is also particularly concerned with the estate’s aesthetics.
‘Keeping Kingswood in good nick – starting with building right and then maintaining your property to an accepted standard – is the shared responsibility of every homeowner and resident.
‘When one property is being neglected, it affects all other properties in the vicinity as well as the greater estate.’ Dan adds that it’s not only a case of cared- for homes being softer on the eye; the truth is that property prices within an estate may plummet when the general perception is one of neglect.
‘The odd bad apple affects all properties. Not only is it an eyesore when gutters are overgrown with weeds, but it’s also counterproductive on a practical level. Residents are urged to report such cases and the offending party will then receive a letter advising of the complaint and possible penalties,’ explains Dan.
He says that everyone concerned about the general wellbeing of the estate and its residents can contribute towards policing this matter. ‘All the way down from CEO Willem Jacobs, HOA members are keeping an eye out for transgressions to be addressed.
‘We also take responsibility for active building sites, making sure that these are properly fenced and secured. Silt fences are erected to stop erosion and to try to ensure that no papers or plastic or other rubbish is blown onto the estate.’
Contact Dan de Wet on 086 172 7170 to report any transgressions, and pop in at KDC Architects for guidance before building or renovating your Kingswood home.
