Womens Day Female Architects
Womens Day Female Architects “She Built This” Celebrating women in homebuilding and design While the phrase “behind every great man is a great woman” has long been echoed through history, when it comes to houses, quite literally, women have often been in front, with bricks in hand, paint on their clothes and that uncanny knack for knowing exactly where...Read More
Gentrification and Loft Apartments
Gentrification, Loft Apartments, and the Great Urban Glow-Up Understanding shifting neighbourhoods in cities. Who or what is gentrification? If trends were people, gentrification would be that friend who suddenly got fit, started drinking oat milk, and now insists on using words like “bespoke” and “curated.” But what exactly is gentrification, and why does it...Read More
Manhattan Projects
Who are Manhattan Projects and why are they the ultimate construction partner? We sat down with Reece Dryden to talk about this family business. Manhattan began not just as a business venture — but as a legacy in the making. It started with Paul Dryden, a young man with a baby on the way, and his father, George, returning to South Africa after time spent in the...Read More
Theatricality in Home Decor
Bring some theatricality into your home decor Over the past half century, we have had varying degrees of “less is more” home design trends. Industrial architecture and brutalism has its roots in the conversion of old warehouses and factories into living spaces. Originating in urban centres during the late 20th century, this style celebrates raw, exposed...Read More
What is Brutalism
What is Brutalism Understanding this unique architectural style. The most striking architecture you’ve never noticed. Chances are you have seen brutalist architecture without really realizing it. This striking and somehow timeless building style creeps up on you. Brutalism is a style of architecture which has its origin in the 1950’s in post war Britain. In...Read More
Renovating for a good cause.
Renovating for a good cause. Support young entrepreneurs who want to make a difference Spread the joy and ditch the guilt Home renovation can be a contentious issue – why should you spend thousands of rands to update your patio or install that fireplace when someone a few kilometres from you is out looking for a new tarp to cover their leaking plastic roof. South...Read More
What is your next BIG project?
What is your next BIG project? Treat yourself before winter Greek word of the day: κακοθερής (kakotherēs) It means “unsuited to endure summer heat” (literally, bad at summer). Storytime: This is me. I am exceptionally bad at summer. I am a natural redhead, prone to freckles and overheating like an old Renault. In summer, my signature scent is...Read More
The Value of Local Manufacturing
The Value of Local Manufacturing The true value of keeping local LEKKER Bringing it home. We built this company from the ground up, meticulously carving out our space in the industry. For over forty five years we have been right beside you, brick for brick. We have seen Presidents, Pandemics and politics try to get South Africa down and we have watched (proudly)...Read More
Track Planned Projects
Take account of your home Keep track of your spending and planned projects Working with a plan is the most important rule of Homemaking. The year is 25% done. Are you? The first quarter of the year has come and gone. As the leaves start turning and the mornings grow crisp, take a minute to check in on your check lists. When we started 2025, we spoke about...Read More