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Hamlet-on-Avis
Windhoek, Namibia

HOWARD and CHAMBERLAIN: Architect

Date:2011
Client:Howard & Chamberlain Investments
Type:Town Houses
Status:Extant

Architects' Notes

Situated in the heart of Avis, the architecture of The Hamlet on Avis is distinctly minimalist. With its clean lines and spacious central park The Hamlet presents a concept of lock-up-and-go ease of living. Aimed at the Windhoek’s young, up-and-coming individuals The Hamlet combines low maintenance with clean modern looks.

Howard & Chamberlain Architects gave this up-market residential complex a fresh clean aesthetic, while still contributing to the very actual discussion around the current architectural vernacular developing in Namibia. One can see elements of this language reflected in generous roof overhangs, and the use of steel elements played off against rustic and un-painted clay brick exteriors.

Internally the units consist of a compact and effective three bedroom arrangement with separate bathrooms and large open plan living area incorporating the kitchen dining and lounge. The majority of the internal walls have been left un-plastered to reflect the exterior of the unit. Portions of the walls was carefully selected to be plastered so as to accentuate positions for furniture placing and framing inside panels to present opportunities for hanging pictures and paintings. The overall feel of unit is a combination of clean lines and functionality. Each unit has a generous private garden with a pool and braai facilities.

Offering an excellent return on investment, the Hamlet on Avis appealed to a particular crowd of buyers: single young up-and-coming individuals, young couples and couples with small children. The development is extremely popular and there is a very long waiting list of people clamoring to buy these fresh and modern units.

The delight of the project can be found in the late afternoons and early evenings one can see the concept of the central park come to life: kids playing, people walking around chatting, soaking up the last rays of sun, people just sitting on the lawn relaxing, and neighbors exchanging the time of day; all giving a genuine sense of community.

All truncated references not fully cited below are those of Joanna Walker's original text and cited in full in the 'Bibliography' entry of the Lexicon.