Resident expert architects, Julia Rutherfoord and Llewellyn Cronje talk about the design trends and standards they notice and incorporate into the homes being built in the area.
Looking at some of the beautiful and intricate houses which are popping up in the area, one has to wonder if there are some driving forces behind how these houses are being designed. Living by the coast, we have to consider the materials we use and the design to optimise ventilation, sun exposure, and access to the surrounding views.

Julia Rutherfoord of Julia Rutherfoord Architect reports a strong push towards using sustainable and eco-friendly materials on the North Coast. There’s a big move toward “off-the-grid” options like solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. People are choosing local materials, which helps support our local economy and reduces pollution. This change is driven by a greater awareness of climate change and a desire to build a more sustainable and community-focused economy.
These are important changes and evolving trends, especially on the North Coast. They enable us to live more comfortably in our beautiful tropical climate while also benefitting our well-being and caring for the environment. By considering things like the orientation to the sun, direction of the wind and rain when designing a home, it can reduce energy use and save money over time.
Choosing natural, non-toxic materials for homes is just as important as eating well and exercising – it’s good for our physical and mental health. Living in homes that connect us to nature can make us feel calmer, happier, and healthier.

Looking at next year, Julia expects to see a focus on the luxury sustainability concept. Which means designing beautiful, high-end homes that also promote eco-friendly living. Other trends she outlines to watch for are:
Smarter Climate-Friendly Design:Homes that are better adapted to local weather and extreme conditions.
Regenerative Design:Going beyond just “sustainable” to actively improve the environment, like using indigenous plants that promote birdlife and butterflies, courtyard design, creating habitats for wildlife, or even adding beekeeping to gardens.
Smart Home Tech: More technology to help manage energy use and make homes more efficient.
Biophilic Design: Adding natural elements, like roof gardens, all weather courtyards, to connect us more closely with nature and improve our well-being.
Supporting local: Ballito is a community full of incredible talent. We are incredibly lucky to have the best artisans on our doorstep.
“These trends reflect a growing commitment to tackling climate challenges and making buildings that are kinder to ourselves, each-other in our beautiful community of Ballito and the planet,” Julia explains.
www.rutherfoordarchitect.co.za
Llewellyn Cronje of CA Architects gives us a general definition of what a trend is as “the general direction in which something is developing or changing”. One such observed trend is designing homes with a biophilic direction. This describes the connection between habitable spaces and the spatial experience with nature. Centred on wellness, wellbeing and mindfulness, while maintaining a relationship with the natural surroundings, biophilic design is trending in architecture this year.
Adaptive re-use is a strong architectural trend of repurposing existing structures. By using this environmentally conscious approach, architects are repurposing buildings instead of demolishing. Abandoned factories, warehouses, churches, and derelict complexes are being transformed into vibrant public and private residential and shared work precincts. There is also a move towards sustainable design that is an established necessity. Buildings are accommodating renewable energy sources and sustainable materials and construction techniques reducing waste and carbon emissions. When it comes to aesthetic trends specifically on the North Coast, the traditional Natal veranda farmhouse and its application in the tropical zone is evolving into a contemporary interpretation.
With the needs of our society changing, we are seeing more buildings that respond to the varied and unique individual requirements of our “diverse and vibrant society”. Designs are emerging that will celebrate and respect the cultural heritage and diversity of communities.
Then, we have modular construction. This involves the pre-fabrication of off-site modules for assembly on-site. This trend has shown to save time and money, and improves quality control and allows for easy expansion and reconfiguration. The use of sophisticated software and AI (Artificial Intelligence) will continue to aid the architectural design process and production. AI will serve to supplement but not replace intellectual human input.
There is more awareness of the needs of the handicapped and the value of an economically participating disabled population is prevalent when designing homes and public buildings. The benefits of small houses are also becoming more apparent. Affordability, compact uncomplicated living, decluttering, more efficient use of land, less infrastructural cost, and the space for modular units as an answer to the housing crisis, all come to mind.
When it comes to trend forecasting, “We don’t have a crystal ball, but CA Architects are committed to awareness of the changing and meaningful needs of the KZN North Coast community,” Llewellyn reports.