From ash
to almost home

Milestone 1

In the weeks after the fire, we were held by extraordinary kindness. Homes were opened to us — in the mountains, by the sea, and through the generosity of friends and strangers alike. Your care carried us when we needed it most. Without mentioning names, we want to thank you from the depths of our hearts. We are now living in Kommetjie in a rental where the lease is due to end in September. 

When it came time to clear the wreckage, friends once again showed up with strength and heart. We’re deeply grateful to Melri & Sebastian, Marelise, Conway and members of the Welcome Glen community for rolling up their sleeves and joining the breakdown team, and most especially to Wesley & Nikki, whose incredible generosity funded the demolition team that cleared the land. Your hands and hearts helped make space for what is to come — the Phoenix could not rise without you.

Milestone 3

Heartfelt thanks to Ken & Inka for sponsoring our design process, and to our brilliant team — Kerian R and Enran F, our architects, and Ashley VB, our engineer.
You have helped dream a new vision of the Sanctuary into being, giving it the technical clarity and strength it needs to stand.
They say a solid design is half the battle won — and you’ve given us that foundation.

Milestone 4

This was probably the most arduous, frustrating and time-consuming journey of the whole process. It took more than half a year. We went back and forth countless times between Enran, our architect, and the various city departments that needed to sign off. For the departures, we had to get permission not just from our neighbours next to us and across the street but even from the initial developer of the road. We found out he had passed on, so we then had to track down his son to get a death certificate to prove his father was dead, all to make sure there was no objection from him about the position of our wall. This back-and-forth journey of absurdity could easily have taken many more months. Fortunately, someone in  City heard our plea and escalated our plans to approval. Thank you to a wonderful and highly skilled team of architects and creators, we have brought a vision to paper and now a stamped and approved document. 

Milestone 5

As we prepare to break ground, we are gathering the team who will help bring the Sanctuary into form. I will be project-managing the build myself, and we’re seeking hands to assist, connections to contractors, and skilled labourers who resonate with our ethos. This is not a profit-maximising project — it is an invitation to co-create a legacy. We are working with a carefully stewarded community budget and seeking partners who value integrity and trust, quality craftsmanship, collaboration over competition, and legacy over short-term gain.

Milestone 6

Once our Engineer completes the technical specs and our Quantity Surveyor finalises the material list, we will begin sourcing everything needed for the build — at the most competitive prices possible.

Alongside traditional suppliers, we will also be looking for second-hand, reclaimed, and refurbished items wherever possible.
This not only helps the budget but keeps the build aligned with our values of sustainability and conscious use of resources.

Milestone 7

There is a lot of work still to do to clear the land: gumpoles to dig up, debris to clear,  structures to break down, plants and bushes to clear. We also need to fix and rebuild the perimeter fence. This is the one milestone where we really need hands, we need tools, we need materials, we need vehicles. This is the vital work that needs to be done before the first contractor or builder steps onto the land. 

Milestone 8

We have a big challenge to solve: how do we get heavy bricks, cement and equipment up to the land without having to hire an expensive crane? The property is elevated above the street with only a narrow stone staircase leading up.  Once we solve this problem, half our building battle will be won.

Do you have any ideas? Any connections? 

Milestone 9

From this point onwards, and when we get approval from the council,  the work will be taken over by skilled artisans. The foundation is where concrete meets earth. The first permanent mark of the new Phoenix Sanctuary anchors vision into form.

Would you like to contribute to the foundation materials and labour — laying the literal and symbolic base of this home? Do 

Milestone 10

This is the most important part of the journey, which is building the bones of this sanctuary. Brick by brick, the dream will be created, each brick a prayer and a song. From here onwards, it is about supporting the building team so they can do their job effectively. It’s important that they are well fed with nourishing food and have decent amenities. 

Be part of this structural miracle by funding bricks, roof sheets, and gum poles.

Milestone 11

Plumbing and electrical are the veins and nervous system of the house. We will be looking for contractors who are collaborators. 

Fund the electrical and plumbing installations that make the Sanctuary functional and self-sustaining.

Milestone 12

Windows are the eyes and iris of the building: the optics. This building has been uniquely designed with no windows on the side, only receiving light from the front and the back. There will be a roof window going over the entire sacred space and roof inlets on the main house. Where possible, we will source second-hand frames and glass.

Sponsor a window or contribute toward the glazing and fittings that bring natural light back in. 

Milestone 16

In our endeavour to achieve sustainability and independent living, water sovereignty is vitally important. A rain tank that feeds the house system, along with the necessary filters, as well as a grey water system that feeds directly into the garden. No chemicals or artificial cleaning agents are used in the kitchen or bathroom.

 Contribute to water tanks, gutters, and filtration — keeping the Sanctuary self-reliant and green.

Milestone 17

Light powers light — solar energy illuminates the Sanctuary and reduces our footprint on the Earth.

 Fund a solar panel or component — empowering the Sanctuary to shine sustainably.