In the heart of Noordhoek, Cape Town, we had the opportunity to create a home that would blend seamlessly with its surroundings while honouring a protected grove of indigenous milkwood trees.The challenge was to design a space that minimally impacted on the Milkwoods, which covered most of the site with the exception of an opening in the centre, while maximising natural light and capturing the stunning views from above the canopy of trees.

The solution came in the form of a compact, two-story home raised on steel columns, allowing the house to touch the earth lightly and leave much of the ecosystem undisturbed. By elevating the structure, we preserved the natural landscape while also creating the opportunity to bring in low-angle winter sunlight through clerestory windows from above the canopy of trees. The top floor and roof deck offer magnificent views over the trees toward the distant beach.

The journey wasn’t without its obstacles. We had to secure permits from the Department of Forestry to build within the protected grove, and a departure application for raising the house on columns. On top of that, COVID-19 lockdowns delayed the approval process, stretching our timelines. Despite these challenges, construction finally began in 2022

The design integrates steel columns, floating concrete slabs, and highly insulated timber-frame construction, combining structural efficiency with sustainable principles.