This project shows a single-storey home located in the South African Highveld, drawing inspiration from local farmhouses characterized by pitched roofing and high-level venting. The design integrates natural materials sourced from the site, including stone, combined with metal sheeting and timber, to create a harmonious connection with the surrounding bush landscape. The home prioritizes views of the abundant wildlife through large glazing, with a pool and fire pit positioned to enhance the experience of the natural environment.
Highveld, South Africa, characterized by open grasslands, rolling hills, and a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters.
Surroundings: The site is immersed in bushveld, with abundant wildlife and natural rock formations, offering opportunities to incorporate local stone into the design.
The design must address temperature extremes, with effective insulation, ventilation, and solar orientation to ensure comfort
.
The home draws inspiration from traditional Highveld farmhouses, which feature:
Pitched Roofing: Sloped roofs to shed rainwater, clad in metal sheeting for durability and aesthetic alignment with the rural vernacular.
High-Level Venting: Clerestory windows or vents to facilitate natural ventilation, cooling the home in summer while maintaining warmth in winter.
Connection to Landscape: A layout that embraces the expansive bush views and integrates outdoor living spaces.
Pool: Positioned at the front of the home, designed to blend with the landscape, with a natural stone surround to echo site materials.
Fire Pit: Located beyond the pool, creating a gathering space that feels immersed in the bush, with unobstructed views of the landscape.
Covered veranda with timber columns and metal roofing, wrapping around the living areas to provide shaded outdoor living space.
Landscaping to use indigenous plants to maintain the bushveld aesthetic and support local ecology
Exterior:
Natural Stone: Sourced from the site, used for walls and pool surround to ground the home in its context.
Metal Sheeting: Corrugated iron or steel for roofing and select wall cladding, reflecting farmhouse tradition and durability.
Timber: Used for structural elements (e.g., beams, columns) and accents, treated for weather resistance.
Interior:
Polished concrete or stone flooring for thermal mass and aesthetic continuity.
Timber accents for warmth, used in cabinetry and ceilings.
Neutral plaster or whitewashed walls to complement the natural materials and enhance light.
Passive Design:
Orientation to maximize northern sunlight for winter warmth and minimize heat gain in summer.Southern facing.
Overhangs on pitched roofs to provide shade and protect glazing from direct sun.
High-level vents and clerestory windows to promote cross-ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling.
Insulation: Thick stone walls and insulated roofing to maintain thermal comfort.
Water Management: Rainwater harvesting from the pitched roof, stored for irrigation and pool maintenance.
Energy: Solar panels integrated discreetly on the roof to offset energy use, with potential for battery storage
.
Layout: A linear shaped plan to maximize bush views.
Entrance: A welcoming entry sequence through a timber-framed veranda, leading into the open-plan living area.
Flow: Seamless indoor-outdoor connections via large sliding glass doors or stacking windows, opening to the pool and veranda.
Zoning: Private spaces (bedrooms, bathrooms) separated from communal areas to ensure privacy while maintaining access to views.
The home should feel rustic yet refined, blending the rugged charm of Highveld farmhouses with modern comfort.
Large glazing creates a sense of living within the bush, with wildlife visible from key spaces.
The material palette—stone, metal, and timber—reflects the natural and agricultural heritage of the region.
Outdoor spaces (pool, fire pit, veranda) are designed to feel like extensions of the bush, encouraging outdoor living and connection with nature.
Structural System: Reinforced concrete foundation with stone and brick masonry walls; timber or steel framing for the pitched roof.
Glazing: Double-glazed windows for thermal efficiency, with low-E coatings to reduce heat gain.
Ventilation: High-level vents integrated into the roof design, operable manually or mechanically for airflow control.
Fire Safety: Fire-resistant materials and landscaping to mitigate bushfire risk, given the Highveld’s dry conditions.
.
This single-storey home will embody the spirit of the South African Highveld, drawing from the vernacular of local farmhouses while embracing modern sustainability and comfort. The design prioritizes a deep connection to the bush and its wildlife, using natural materials and expansive glazing to create a home that feels both timeless and immersive in its natural setting.