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Mountain House by Van Der Merwe Miszewski Architects

By Eric Meunier

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Cape Town-based studio Mountain House by Van Der Merwe Miszewski Architects has recently completed the Mountain House project.

This single family contemporary home is located on a steep sloping site on the foot of Table Mountain bordering Table Mountain National Park in Oranjezicht, a suburb in Cape Town, South Africa.

Mountain House by Van Der merwe Miszewski Architects:

“In order to achieve the least impact on the site, the house is comprised of five pavilions which are tucked into the sloping terrain surrounded by the existing natural fynbos which stretches from the mountain slopes above the site to the road below. The five pavilions mimic the lie of the land and lie like leaves that have fallen down the mountain.

The pavilions are in sympathy with the surrounding context in order to achieve as little visual impact as possible on the existing natural landscape.

Habitable spaces have been created by using the age-old tradition of inserting stone walls into the landscape, thereby creating usable terraces and platforms.

The colours of these stone walls emulate those of the cliffs of Table Mountain above and its presence anchors the design into the landscape.

The wavy roof is like a piece of the site lifted off the ground, settling over the habitable spaces and platforms. The concrete roof curves in both directions and takes its cue from the curved nature of the cliff faces on Table Mountain above and the contouring slope of the site below. The roof therefore simulates the curve of the mountain face and the lie of the land.”

Photos courtesy of Vdmma

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About Eric Meunier

Currently the Owner and Chief Executive of HODYO Design, Eric Meunier's expertise in the design industry spreads over 20 years. He was the driving force behind HomeDSGN's early success, founding this website in 2011. Today, he loves to channel his passion for design into remodeling houses and transforming interior spaces with his keen eye for detail and architectural finesse. Learn more about HomeDSGN's Editorial Process.

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