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Reading a novel – or three – in the lounge window nook while being warmed by the afternoon sun is a popular pastime for the Dalkmanns. The “glass gable”, a smart play on the Cape Dutch vernacular, affords uninterrupted views of the lagoon and allows sunlight to flood into the interior. The contemporary furnishings include a leather sofa from Weylandts, an occasional table by James Mudge and a rug from Gonsenhausers Fine Rugs. -
An elegant yet robust dining table from Lutge Gallery, matched with riempie chairs by James Mudge, offers a central gathering space upstairs. Recessed shelves and cupboards help to simplify the interior and create a sense of tranquility. -
Generous north-west-facing outdoor terraces on both levels are sheltered from the strong south-easter thanks to their orientation and depth. Rustic klompie bricks add warmth and interest, and frameless glass stacking doors offer additional shelter when necessary. -
“We love the strong wind conditions in Langebaan, because my husband and I both kite-surf,” says Clara. -
Among other constraints, the estate’s design guidelines required square windows and white walls. A strategically placed window seat in a “thickened wall” expresses the pure geometry of the space. -
An elongated skylight washes the wall above the staircase with light and illuminates the depths of the lower level, and an artwork by Claire Johnson attracts the eye. Oregon-pine floors throughout the living areas offer warmth and continuity. -
Well-considered joinery by Wolfgang Kretschmer throughout the house makes for seamless continuity. Freestanding basins, unframed mirrors, unobtrusive downlights and unassuming white mosaic tiles combine to create a low-key family bathroom. -
The private wing is downstairs. Here, a small informal family lounge connects four bedrooms, of which three enjoy sea views. The large glazed openings bring the mood of the ocean right into the room.
WORDS Biddi Rorke PHOTOS Jan Ras PRODUCTION Annemarie Meintjes
A double-volume holiday home on Langebaan Lagoon, which recently won a Cape Institute for Architecture (CIFA) Award for Architecture, is big on views and low on maintenance.
For Clara Dalkmann, memories of childhood holidays, playing with buckets and spades on Langebaan Beach, will now be recreated with her husband Benedikt and their own children in their new holiday home. The Dalkmanns, who live in Germany, tasked Cape Town architect Bettina Woodward of Open City Architects, who is also Clara’s sister, with the job of creating their elegant, fuss-free family getaway on the West Coast.
The house is situated on a steep, south-west-facing slope overlooking Langebaan Lagoon. A magnificent rocky outcrop directly in front of the site became an important consideration in the placement of the building.
A key requirement of the project brief was the provision of sunny outdoor entertainment spaces that would afford uninterrupted views of the lagoon and offer shelter from the notorious prevailing wind. The estate’s architectural guidelines dictated that the house had at least one pitched roof and only square windows, which Bettina masterfully incorporated into the design.
