van der merwe miszewski architects: mountain house

‘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.

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.

ground floor space with view over reflecting pool

stairway and library

view from dining room to stairway and corridors

dining room

living room and kitchen

view of house with mountains behind

multiple tiered volumes compose the back facade and work themselves into the slopped landscape

back elevation and reflecting pool

back terrace

bedroom

various structures are nestled into the landscape

detail of roof and stone wall