Hardy Henry - Bel Air St. Felix
Port Louis, Mauritius
1990-1992

This existing house in central Port Louis is one of the finest in the collection of traditional architecture in Mauritius. Preservation of such buildings meant taking on the challenge of providing new uses to the exiting shell without damaging the soul and character of the original.

The old house was converted into offices and a new extension was planned at the back of the property around an old mango tree creating a courtyard. The balcony was salvaged from a demolished building and re-erected on site whilst the wrought iron fountain was purchased new to create an environment that looks as though it has always been there. Old and new become one seemingly unaffected by the passage of time.