When we first purchased the house, we knew that the balcony overlooking the surrounding mountains would make an ideal outdoor learning space for the SOS Africa children. But the pre-existing balcony had MANY cracks letting the rain through to the classroom below and NO shading whatsoever. This has meant that during the summer months, the sun has shone down on the balcony creating intensive heat which radiated into the first-floor rooms.
The first step to the renovation process involved breaking and removing the tiles from the roof and replacing them with smooth screed. Both phases involved a team effort to ensure that all the rubble was removed, with the new screed mixed and carefully applied to balcony surface.
During the smoothing process we couldn’t resist applying screed to the stairs and brick walls to give them a modern look plus longevity during extreme weather conditions. We also cannot wait to apply colour to these walls and invite talented local artists to paint/graffiti some murals with the children.
With soaring temperatures very common in the Western Cape, shading is essential to make the space more usable for the children throughout the summer months. Who wouldn’t love to do their homework on the balcony (in the shade) looking at the surrounding mountains?!
The other obvious flaw to this wonderful space was limited access from the 1st floor rooms. So, we decided to replace the existing windows with French doors allowing for easy access from the new classrooms.
Finally, the most important aspect was ensuring the balcony was waterproof! So, thanks to the precision slope created by the screed and the waterproof membrane, any rainfall will be carefully channelled towards the surrounding guttering. Teddy even tested the fall with his marble, thanks Chief Quality Control Inspector Ted.
All that remains is to fit the French doors plus apply the final waterproof coating and the balcony will be complete and ready for use. And what a transformation it is!
