Dunkley Square Home

Tucked away on the leafy edge of Cape Town’s Dunkley Square, this Victorian townhouse has been thoughtfully reimagined as a calm, modern sanctuary.

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Mark Williams Photography

For Laura Goodger, founder of the interior architecture and design studio Studio Goodd, the transformation of this old Victorian townhouse tells a story of contrasts between heritage and modernity – one driven by narrative, materiality, and a deep respect for context.

“The joy (and challenge) of old buildings is their imperfection. In a Victorian townhouse, nothing is ever straight – walls lean, floors dip, and ceilings vary. It’s part of the charm, but also a technical minefield,” says Laura, who wanted to celebrate the dialogue between old and new. “The aim was always to breathe life back into its original charm while introducing a calm, modern sensibility.”

The property had previously been used as offices, so much of the original detailing had been lost or damaged. Laura and her team reinstated key period features while updating the structure for contemporary living. “The original red-brick walls, though beautiful, were so fragile that fixing joinery or hanging artwork often caused the bricks to crumble – we had to rebuild sections for structural integrity and precision,” she explains.

Opening the rear of the home onto the double-height courtyard – entirely column-free – was key to its transformation. “The original structure was heavy and enclosed, with thick walls and small windows that blocked natural light. Retaining the traditional facade while modernising the rear allowed us to embrace the Cape Town climate more fully,” says Laura. Jerusalem Bone stone flooring, honed inside and acid-washed outside, was used to unify indoors and out. “This continuity of material makes the home feel larger and dissolves the boundary between indoors and out – essential in a townhouse with limited outdoor space,” adds Laura. The steel-framed sliding doors take their cue from New York’s classic Crittall style, adding a crisp, contemporary edge to the architecture.

Laura and her team added a small courtyard pool and a water feature that runs throughout the day, bringing the soothing sound of water into the space. Upholstery fabrics are outdoor-grade, allowing the visual and tactile language to flow seamlessly between indoors and out while offering durability. “Lighting also played a key role in setting the tone,” explains Laura. “We specified Hoi Ploy fittings both indoors and outdoors, using soft, warm-white 2700K filament bulbs to create a glow reminiscent of candlelight.” This gentle warmth nods to the home’s Victorian origins while pairing elegantly with modern functionality.

The interiors evoke a sense of calm – a sanctuary-like retreat from the bustle of the city centre. Dunkley Square has an energy of its own, with beloved local spots such as Roxy’s and Maria’s just a short walk away. Yet once inside, the home feels like an intimate escape. “With the home only moments from the historic Company’s Garden, we drew inspiration from its leafy surroundings, overlaying these natural references within a restrained and textural palette,” says Laura. “We chose Bestwood’s ‘Pure Brushed Oak’ flooring, finished with a natural oil, which retains subtle knots as a nod to the original timber detailing without feeling rustic. The sculpted joinery by Arthur & Co takes cues from the woven bird nests found in the Gardens, while the kitchen’s Calacatta Vagli marble surfaces, with their milky-white base and veins of green, caramel, and brown, bring a sense of organic movement.” The carved details in the cabinetry were a pivotal choice, adding a tactile richness. “Opting for black joinery was a bold move, but it grounds the interior beautifully, referencing the original window frames and front balcony,” she adds.

Another highlight is the coffee nook tucked beneath the staircase – a once-forgotten corner now transformed into a daily ritual space. With limited counter space and a must-have Lelit coffee machine, Laura and her team mirrored the back wall to bounce natural light and greenery into the area, turning a dark void into a reflective, living feature.

The carefully curated decor and furniture pieces allow the house’s personality to truly shine. “We prioritised collaboration with local artisans and makers – Cape Town’s creative scene is extraordinary,” says Laura. Among the highlights are a sculptural Cavus side table by Jan Ernst, dining chairs from Houtlander, Berber rugs from Zoya, &Tradition lamps from INOVA, and glassware by Ferm Living via Crema. “We also introduced several bespoke pieces: a marble coffee table designed for both indoor and outdoor use, custom scatter cushions in unique sizes and fabrics, and a made-to-measure outdoor sofa to fit the courtyard perfectly.”

To keep the home from feeling overly polished, Laura and the team mixed in vintage finds such as pendant lights from Anouk, a characterful second-hand dining table, and a handcrafted timber console. “These touches of imperfection balance the sleek new elements, achieving an effortless blend of the old and new. The understated luxury lies precisely in this layering – in pieces that tell stories rather than shout for attention,” she says.

“Every project we’re tasked with is driven by narrative, materiality, and a deep respect for context. This Gardens home is no exception. It embodies our studio’s belief that modern design should feel rooted, timeless, and personal.” | studiogoodd.com

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