V E R M O N T   H O U S E

Residence - Vermont, Western Cape

2005

This site is situated ‘on the rocks’ at Vermont, approximately an hour’s drive from Cape Town on the Indian Ocean coast. The site faces in a southerly orientation, the primary view being over the rocky tidal zone out toward the open sea and is subjected to stiff on-shore breezes, particularly in summer.

A courtyard solution was proposed. The courtyard is flanked by the double storey bedroom wing to the east and the wing containing the garage, kitchen and dining space to the west. The living room and external terraces connect the two wings at the south end of the courtyard. The living room itself is enclosed by full height glazing, allowing for ‘through-views’ from the courtyard, out to the sea beyond.

The courtyard is protected from the on shore breezes, whilst open to the north to capture the sun’s warmth. The courtyard contains the swimming pool and a mature existing Milkwood tree which was preserved on the site and incorporated into the design.