This coastal residence balances durable off-shutter concrete with warm timber accents, creating a harmonious dialogue between resilience and texture. Designed to withstand the demands of its seaside setting, the concrete provides enduring strength while the timber elements introduce a natural warmth and softness to the architecture.

This site presented a range of complex design challenges. Situated on a narrow, elongated plot measuring 10 meters by 33 meters, the property offers breathtaking sunrise views and a sweeping panorama of the Hermanus mountain range. To navigate the limitations of local height restrictions and the site’s slender proportions, part of the structure was carefully integrated below ground level. This approach allowed us to introduce a third level, maximizing ocean views from multiple rooms within the home—an understated yet thoughtful solution, given the usual sightlines would be limited to the narrow end of the plot.

Excavating the local rock was essential to deepen the foundation, but it also cultivated a more meaningful connection to the land. By using the excavated stone throughout the ground floor and on the concrete roof, the design both respects and reflects the natural landscape, rooting the home in its coastal surroundings.

Photography by: Greg Cox & Abon Studio