Dullstroom Retreat

Situated atop a ridge, the U-shaped house opens to the north to capture the prevailing summer breezes and, with windows on the opposite facade, brings in views of the valley to the south.

The natural fall of the site is used positively to minimise unnecessary excavations. The structures are placed on horizontal planes against the natural contours.

The three sides of the "U" are separate buildings and only one room wide, ensuring excellent cross-ventilation. The building was designed in such a manner that it could be built by skilled and semi-skilled labourers.

Inside, each structure contains one or more thick walls-enclosures that read as walls but conceal collections of small utilitarian spaces such as closets and shelving.

Walls are from select stock bricks with flush joints, floors are stained concrete with wood inlays, and pine beams and flat wood decking grace the ceilings.