Hout Bay House

Project Description

Designed as a retreat for a prominent South African Geologist. The steep fall of the land, and spectacular ocean views influenced the design to reconnect with the natural environment and geology of the site. The living spaces spill out of the landscape in a powerful yet harmonic way, like slabs of granite forced out of the hill by tectonic movements. Large concrete planes seem to shift and slip down the slope, whilst enclosing monastic spaces of reflection. The main arrival leads visitors through these spaces in a ceremonial procession towards a private central courtyard.