So you can understand my trepidation when having the privilege of expressing this style in my architectural designs. That is why i call my Tuscan style inspired design homes, Tuscape design. In the Cape we have winters, north wester wind driven rains and in summer south easter winds and sun light which are different to Tuscany. Rain is known to travel back up a wall -Thanks to the north wester wind or the once a year black south easter storms. So not having eaves and a few other typical Capetonian design features - Will render your purely European designed home in the local Africa elements, well, rather vulnerable.
A word to the wise and the principle is thus - The African sun and weather can be incredibly harsh - And double glazing expensive windows which work very well in Germany. Will be renderred useless in 2 short African sun drenched years. So external features although inspired by our esteemed across the ocean first world countries. Simply dont always work when bought off the shelf in Europe and installed here in Africa. Some items do, some dont - And that is why changing features of a pure design style are important to the local setting applications.
As my grandfather architect Mello Damstra used elements of various styles to create an eclectic maverick style of architecture to his work here in Cape Town in the 20's. It is this inspiration and point of departure with this Tuscape design style. Starting with a gothic style gate , leading into a rich tapestry of local influence and Tuscan inspired concepts. With a nouveau inspired internal balustrade and an outline of the curvaceous feminine form for the external balustrade. The home is developing into a unique style - a Tuscape style one that enjoys the beauty of Europe with the practicality of an African setting.
The secret of designing in Africa is to adapt your style to fit the local dynamics. If your a purist design operator, you will learn what works in Europe or elsewhere in the world, doesnt work here. Ie top of the range northern hemisphere imported products are going to "hoes" under the African sun. (Hoes is an afrikaans word - extreme cough, translates into extreme struggle) As many can now expensively attest. If CapeDutch is a thing, Tuscape is another thing. As is said. Adapt or die trying. At least die trying. Rather than rigidly failing a design style by being stubborn or true to its features that work halfway round the world.
Another style im experimenting with is french nautique, a client, a family member asked me to design his home in this style. I smiled because i recognised the shared madness in conceptualisation styles. Oh boy, the style purists are gnashing their teeth. Fortunately they will never ever read so far down an article like this. So im safe for now, from butter knives anyway.
