Kate Otten Architects designed The Lulu Kati Kati House in Melville, Johannesburg. In Swahili language, ‘lulu kati kati’, means ‘pearl in the middle’. Perhaps it describes the location of the house, that is in the middle of suburban Melville. A few quotes from the architects: “This is a green building – unofficially achieving a platinum rating. The design incorporates natural lighting, ventilation, heating and cooling. Solar energy is used to heat domestic water and for space heating in winter. Re-claimed, re-cycled and on-site materials are used as well as local labor and skills. The sun-screens are made from invader plants; insulation and privacy screens from re-cycled plastic cut into plant-like forms. Rain water is collected, circulated and filtered through ponds and a reed bed to the bio-pool.”

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