Situated on a large plot in Noordhoek, with mountain views to the north and sea views to the west, Timber House is carefully positioned to respond to its expansive landscape and climatic conditions. The house is composed as a series of solid planes that anchor it to the site, interspersed with open glazed corners that frame long views towards Chapman’s Peak and the Atlantic Ocean. Conceived as an extension of the landscape, the building settles into the natural contours of the land rather than presenting itself as an isolated object.

The house steps down the slope through a sequence of terraces and levels, allowing the architecture to follow the natural fall of the terrain. A robust stone base grounds the building, while lighter timber elements sit above, creating a clear hierarchy between weight and lightness. Deep, floating roof overhangs extend beyond the building envelope, providing shade and minimising heat gain during the summer months while allowing lower winter sun to enter the interiors.  Built predominantly from natural materials including timber, stone and earth based finishes, the house maintains a strong material connection to its surroundings. Laminated timber beams extend outward into the landscape, reinforcing the relationship between interior spaces and outdoor living areas. Open corners and large sliding doors blur the boundary between inside and out, allowing daily life to flow seamlessly into the garden and terraces.

The interiors were developed in close collaboration with MR, responding to the clients’ appreciation for soft, tactile materials and a restrained palette. Many interior elements were designed as bespoke, hand made pieces and commissioned from local South African makers, embedding craft and individuality throughout the house.  An extensive indigenous garden surrounds the building, enhancing biodiversity and reinforcing the connection between architecture and site. An eco pool and integrated water systems contribute to the project’s ecological performance, completing a cohesive relationship between architecture, interior and landscape.