House Biermann in Durban: A Case of “Regional Vernacular” in the Modern Architectural Heritage of South Africa

Abstract

In September 2020, the South African Institute of Architects KwaZulu-Natal Regional Heritage Committee launched an urgent national and international appeal to support the preservation of an important architectural artifact: the house of Barrie Biermann in Durban. The building, considered the most significant project carried out by the South African architect and academic, is today in danger of being demolished. Built in 1962 with great economy in the residential district of Westridge, it represents Biermann's particular vision of modern architecture and was a compelling experiment in domestic space. The present article reconstructs, through a selection of archival materials and pictures from the Technical Reference Library (University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban), the context and design ideas of the project and some construction features. These aspects, in particular related to Biermann's architectural vision and references, highlight the vital need to protect this heritage of modern architecture in the context of South Africa.