KLG Architects

House Lowe - Betty's Bay

House Lowe - Betty's Bay
© Damien Schumann

HOUSE LOWE - BETTY'S BAY

KLG Architects

CATEGORY
Houses

LOCATION
Betty's Bay, South Africa

ARCHITECTS
KLG Architects

MANUFACTURERS
Crestial, ITALCOTTO, MAC D Fiehouse

ARCHITECT IN CHARGE
Geoff George

AREA
450 m²

YEAR
2016

PHOTOGRAPHS
Damien Schumann

Text description provided by architect.

Located between Hottentots Holland Mountain Range and the Atlantic Ocean, House Lowe sits elegantly in its surrounding landscape.

It is this location and the site’s climatic conditions which ultimately shape and inform the building’s design.

House Lowe - Betty's Bay
© Damien Schumann
House Lowe - Betty's Bay
© Damien Schumann

This is illustrated through a series of frames, which continuously connect the user to magnificent ocean and mountain views around the site.

In view of the characteristics of the site, the owner did not want a house with a conventional front and back but a design that permitted a 360 degree enjoyment of both the mountain and ocean views.

House Lowe - Betty's Bay
© Damien Schumann
House Lowe - Betty's Bay
© Damien Schumann

Additionally, the owner is an avid collector of first world wines and also required facilities to be able to work from home. The ability to entertain guests indoors and outdoors was also an important requirement.

The experience starts in a protected courtyard, situated at the back of the house which seamlessly links to the central open-plan living space.

House Lowe - Betty's Bay
© Damien Schumann
House Lowe - Betty's Bay
© Damien Schumann

The living space frames a linear view of the ocean’s horizon towards the South. On the North side, a floating roof rises up theatrically in section to allow for spectacular views of the Hottentots Holland Mountain Range whilst allowing northern light to reflect in.

Each room repeats this theme with large glass openings, characterizing the space’s connection to its surrounds. In plan, the bedroom’s geometry steps out toward the sea on the eastern side of the house, allowing for privacy and uninterrupted views whilst protecting the main deck from the south-east winds.

House Lowe - Betty's Bay
© Damien Schumann
House Lowe - Betty's Bay
© Damien Schumann

On the West side a carefully detailed wine cellar tucks beneath the house and boasts simple tectonics of timber steel and light which overlook the sea.

The pallet of materials used, glass, timber, and off-shutter concrete, allow for the building to co-exist with its natural surrounds.

House Lowe - Betty's Bay
© Damien Schumann
House Lowe - Betty's Bay
© Damien Schumann
House Lowe - Betty's Bay
© Damien Schumann
House Lowe - Betty's Bay
© Damien Schumann

From the beach the house appears as a low slung insertion into the landscape, nestled in the lush shrubbery, without competing with the mountain backdrop.


House Lowe - Betty's Bay
Section 01
House Lowe - Betty's Bay
Section 02


House Lowe - Betty's Bay
Perspective Sketch
House Lowe - Betty's Bay
Section Landscape Sketch


House Lowe - Betty's Bay
Perspective Sketch Section
House Lowe - Betty's Bay
Ground Floor Plan

KLG Architects
T +27 21 6852720
KLG Architects
1 Hans Ras Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa