‘mountain house’ by van der merwe miszewski architects, cape town, south africa images courtesy of van der merwe miszewski architects

while in cape town for design indaba 2011, designboom had the pleasure of meeting anya van der merwe miszewski, lead architect of the south african practice van der merwe miszewski architects. her latest project ‘mountain house’, is a single family home located on a steep sloping site at the foot of cape town’s table mountain. the design, which strives to harmoniously co-exist with the landscape, is composed of five loosely connected pavilions. tucked into the sloping and lush terrain, the structures lie in symphony with the surrounding context, mimicking the contours of the earth while reducing the visual impact of the built forms.

van der merwe miszewski architects: mountain house main entrance

stone walls are inserted into the landscape to create a series of terraces, platforms and enclosed spaces. the stone cladding, chosen for its color, emulates the characteristics of the nearby mountain whose presence anchors and defines the design. appearing as an extension of the ridge itself, the residence uses a selective collection of materials and forms – such as the undulating roof – that simulate and integrate the indigenous natural surroundings.

van der merwe miszewski architects: mountain house ground floor space with view over reflecting pool

van der merwe miszewski architects: mountain housestairway and library

van der merwe miszewski architects: mountain house view from dining room to stairway and corridors

van der merwe miszewski architects: mountain house dining room

van der merwe miszewski architects: mountain house living room and kitchen

van der merwe miszewski architects: mountain house view of house with mountains behind

van der merwe miszewski architects: mountain housemultiple tiered volumes compose the back facade and work themselves into the slopped landscape

van der merwe miszewski architects: mountain house back elevation and reflecting pool

van der merwe miszewski architects: mountain house back terrace

van der merwe miszewski architects: mountain house bedroom

van der merwe miszewski architects: mountain house various structures are nestled into the landscape

van der merwe miszewski architects: mountain house detail of roof and stone wall