Kogelberg Cabins by KLG Architects

WORDS Cheri Morris IMAGES Dave Southwood, courtesy of KLG Architects

The Kogelberg Cabins, designed by KLG Architects, are a series of off-grid escapes situated in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve.

Nestled within the southern stretch of the Hottentots Holland mountain range, a renowned World Heritage Site just a few hours outside of Cape Town, the cabins blend into the expanse of rolling valleys, undulating mountain peaks and indigenous fynbos vistas.

In January 2018, a veld fire ravaged the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, destroying five of the eight cabins mid-construction. A specialist landscaping company, Vula Landscaping, was brought in to rehabilitate the vegetation and construction commenced once more. Today, the project consists of five two-person cabins, three six-person cabins, an administration building, a natural ecological swimming pool, and a network of floating timber boardwalks.

The project’s design focuses on the preservation of the natural environment and the use of off-grid technology, as far as possible. The pool is especially unique: it filters itself naturally with plants, while omitting chemicals. The pool platform features a sunbed and pergola, creating the perfect place for guests to bask in dappled sunlight and absorb the incredible views.

The floating boardwalks ensure minimal damage to fynbos and existing vegetation, while raised cabins allow ground water, local fauna, insects and snakes uninterrupted routes beneath them. Each cabin features solar geysers and water-less Enviro-loos: a dry sanitation system that uses heat from the sun and whirlybird extraction to turn sewerage into compost without the use of water, chemicals or electricity.

Love this nature-inspired escape? Book your stay with Cape Nature here. To see more projects by KLG Architects, visit klg.co.za.

Looking for more off-grid escapes? Check out the SPAAS Living Pods and these local cabin retreats.