Manor House

1990
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Team: Ivor Daniel, Peter Butler

Manor House, originally built in 1905 for Sir Liege Hulett, was restored and converted into corporate offices to preserve the historic building through adaptive reuse. The project sought to retain the architectural character and heritage significance of the residence while accommodating the functional requirements of a contemporary workplace.

Over time, the building had been compromised by a series of unsympathetic alterations, including enclosed verandahs and later additions that obscured its original proportions and architectural clarity. The challenge was to reverse these changes while providing efficient office accommodation without compromising the integrity of the heritage structure.

The restoration removed intrusive additions to reveal the original form and spatial qualities of the house. Timber and glazed screens were reinstated within the verandah arches, while new interventions were deliberately restrained, complementing rather than imitating the historic fabric.

The completed project preserves the grandeur and identity of Manor House while ensuring its continued relevance through adaptive reuse. It demonstrates how sensitive restoration can successfully integrate contemporary commercial functions while safeguarding an important part of Durban's architectural heritage.