Mastering The Elements

This pretty seaside holiday house was designed to embrace the coastal surrounds and withstand the elements.

- Diana Wemyss

The owners of this property had holidayed at Witsand on the Breede River for many years,” says architect Louise Wileman, “so they knew all about the wind in this area.”

Their brief to her was to design a house that would not scar the natural beauty of the amazing site at the mouth of South Africa’s only navigable river. They also wanted a strong visual link to the breathtaking views and a wind-free entertaining courtyard.

“This last requirement was quite a challenge,” recalls Louise, “and was the determining factor in the final layout and design of the roofscape. Gale-force winds often blow for days, causing strong whirlwinds when deflected over solid structures,” Louise explains.