Chameral Apartments

2000
Silverton Road, Durban

Stauch Vorster Architects - Durban
Team: Ivor Daniel, Guido Fieuw. Francesco Coppola

Silverton Road Apartments in Durban was developed as a residential complex of seven triplex units addressing the emerging “downsizing home market”, where compact, flexible living environments were required for older homeowners while still accommodating visiting family and potential income-generating space. The project sought to balance privacy, adaptability and layered domestic use within a limited urban footprint.

The challenge was to create a multi-level housing typology that could support single-couple living on the main level while still providing independent, functional accommodation for visiting family members, students or live-in support staff. Each unit needed to operate efficiently while offering a sense of spatial generosity and access to private outdoor space.

The design organises each dwelling as a vertical sequence of interconnected living zones. The main level contains the primary living, dining and kitchen areas for a couple, while the lower level functions as a semi-autonomous suite for visiting family with its own self-catering facilities. The entry level incorporates a double garage and entrance hall, with a separate garret apartment above the garage providing flexible rental or staff accommodation. Outdoor living is extended through a timber deck, a sky garden above the garage and a small enclosed garden at lower ground level.

The completed development delivers a compact yet highly adaptable residential model that supports changing household needs over time. Its layered spatial arrangement and integrated outdoor spaces create a flexible, contemporary approach to urban downsized living.