Kogelberg Cabins

DATE OF COMPLETION: 2020
LOCATION: Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Western Cape
CLIENT: Cape Nature
PHOTOGRAPHY / IMAGERY CREDIT: Dave Southwood

AWARD: 2021 Cape Institute for Architecture - Award for Architecture

This project is located in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve on the southern stretch of the Hottentots Holland mountain range. The area is a renowned world Heritage Site and considered the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom with its remarkable selection of mountain fynbos. The project consists of a series of facilities which include an administration building that accommodates the reserves environmental staff; a natural ecological swimming pool; a network of floating timber boardwalks, and tourist accommodation units – 5 x Two person cabins, and 3 x six person cabins.

The sensitive biosphere called for innovative timber construction to allow for minimal impact on the natural surrounds. The environmental construction process became the primary design informant. Floating timber walkways access the cabins and traverse the user through the natural site, allowing one to immerse themselves in the landscape. The timber cabins open up toward the views with private pergola decks which create wind barriers and dappled shaded areas to dwell in. Small wood burning fires warm up the abodes at night and imitate small lanterns in the landscape.
The resultant design sits harmoniously in the environment and connects the user to the natural landscape, providing a perfect retreat experience.

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