WHO I AM
I’m Angus Wakeling, a Harare-based Architectural Designer and Project Manager.
WHAT I DO
Architectural design and implementation of corporate and residential buildings and interiors.
WHERE I’M BASED
I’m based in Harare, but I take on projects all across Zimbabwe and regionally too.
HOW TO CONTACT ME
Fill in a form on my Contact page with your project details, or give me a ring on 0772414894.
The Hive 25
Architectural design and project management on a co-working space in Chisipite
Rather than overspending on renovating the existing house, the main idea was to create an internal shared focal area. The new buildings were carefully positioned to hide external views and add or remove privacy as specifically required. With the gym and lap pool tucked away just enough to add interest without compromising privacy or the work environment. The monumental steel pergola and cubist theme is introduced at the reception and carried inwards through the beautiful lush gardens. A full solar array provides power.
Advocates Chambers
Architectural design and project management
The brief was to design an office on a half-acre of gently sloping grassland, maximising the floor plan within a clearly defined budget. The environmentally-conscious clients loved the idea of a single pitch design as a focal point for the creative process, thanks to its superb passive thermal characteristics. With clerestory windows placed to maximise winter sun and summer shade, a thermal mass wall and solar powered ducting fans, this property exudes comfort no matter the season. A water harvesting system, solar power, staff quarters, landscaping, security and budget adherence all contributed to a successful sign-off.
Umwinsidale Private Residence
Architectural design (excluding loft)
Conceived as a home school that will be used as a residence initially. The decision was made to work from an existing foundation. The nearly square footprint, and colonial style preferences lead to the wrap around veranda. A wide central corridor lets light and air right through into the centre of the building, and high ceilings and well proportioned spaces give a grand yet cottagey feeling to this home.
A Home with a View
Architectural design and project management
This sprawling hilltop property required a significant upgrade to maximise the ample space on offer and thrust it into modernity. External work included a paved driveway, an outdoor shed, double garage and compelling landscape enhancements. An entire guest cottage was added in the style of the original homestead, which itself underwent vast updates. These included a new kitchen as well as fresh flooring, tiling, plastering, tapware and windows throughout the home. The result is a breathtaking family home that beautifully complements what could possibly be the nicest views in Harare.
Blue Hills House
Architectural design (excluding loft)
The focus here was to create amazing spaces and flow under an insulated agricultural steel shed, and let the spaces, views and balanced finishes do the talking. We wanted to achieve maximum aesthetic appeal while pursuing an ambitious policy of no ceiling, no flooring, no tiles, no new taps and very little plaster or paint. It worked. The seamless flow to the floorplan combined with rustic timber finishes and masses of natural light for a theatre-esque feel, enhanced by the world-beating views and breezy ambience. A true modern classic.
EFT Corporation HQ
Architectural design and project management. Company headquarters and technical development
The existing building had sufficient floor space, so the challenge was to change the 1970s feel without rebuilding. The solution was to look out of the building rather than at it. The Northern orientation was optimised by full glass concertina doors that open in summer to make you feel like you are surrounded by cacti, and close in winter to allow the winter sun to warm the thermal mass of the stone tiles that line the northern walkway. Sustainability was optimised with a mostly edible garden of vines, veg, herbs, fruit, nuts, orchard and olive grove! The roofs harvest rainwater into a concealed tank. Solar power is complimented by the incredible passive heating and cooling achieved by the orientation and natural ventilation design. Security and connectivity was fully integrated.
ZSS – Arundel Office Park
Internal architectural design and project management. Company headquarters and technical development
The top floor of the Arundel office park buildings are now in the canopy of the riverine woodland planted in the 90s. The view through the trees is enhanced by using recessive wall colours and unframed glass for most of the partitioning. A large open central space allows uninterrupted natural light and cross ventilation to pass through. The installation in the open space draws your attention just enough to give selective privacy to certain sight lines.
Christon Bank Private Residence
Architectural design and project management
Renovation of an existing 70s house into a modern family home. Externally the incredible views and rocks have been maximised by levelling and retaining. Cutting down between the rocks lets you think they have been somehow craned into position. Walking through the rocks, the view opens to the pool, deck and solar heated jacuzzi looking over the Mazowe valley. Internally the open plan bedroom/bathroom lets you further enjoy the views. Walls have been removed to create a light and airy open plan kitchen and living space.
Mycash – Arundel Office Park
Internal architectural design and project management. Company headquarters
Targets were met by using only the space that was needed to house the business, and handing the rest back to the landlord. Carpets, ceilings and partitioning were up-cycled from other parts of the building and each finish was chosen to balance all these materials into a cohesive workspace. Move-in to the furnished 1100m2 space was achieved under budget, 6 weeks from agreeing the design brief.
EFT Services – Old Mutual Complex
Internal architectural design, system processes design and project management. POS machine repair centre, Key injection and technical backup facility
PCI compliant security systems have been integrated into a cutting edge repair laboratory and backup service office. Sight lines enable staff to see live monitoring screens and management to see staff. An adaptable trolley system minimises handling of devices and increases efficiency. A secure private courtyard was developed to add a green space for informal meetings or coffee breaks and allowed the canteen space to be reduced to increase work space. Removing partitioning between the north and south of the building has radically improved natural ventilation and climate control.
Moto Republik
Architectural design and project management
Competition winning design to renovate a dilapidated 80+ year old house into a modern media hub and co-working space on a rented property. The containers added the additional floor space required, and transformed the entrance facade. Raising them allowed for parking and pedestrian flow under into the existing building. The elevation gives a great view to work from, and an even better view from the rooftop cafe and garden. The long north-facing orientation lets the awnings totally shade the building in summer and let the sun warm it in winter. The facade hides the supporting container structure, including the ablutions, stairwell and cafe kitchen. This creates a welcoming main entrance upstairs as well as to the building it shields.