Van der Merwe Orffer Architecture

21/08/2026

DESIGNED WITH THE LAND, NOT AGAINST IT.

A new home taking shape in Outeniquasbosch, Mossel Bay — where the landscape has influenced almost every architectural decision.

Set into a sloping site surrounded by the natural vegetation of the estate, the house is conceived as a contemporary response to its setting: grounded in familiar Cape forms, but expressed through a distinctly modern architectural language.

From the approach, a strong horizontal frame appears to float above the darker base of the house. Behind it, a series of pitched roofs rise from the composition — their simple gabled forms referencing the architectural character of the region without trying to replicate it.

The material palette reinforces that balance.

Natural stone. Dark standing-seam roofs. Warm timber screening. Black-framed glazing. Textured plaster.

Materials chosen not only for the architecture, but for the way they sit against the colours and textures of the Outeniquasbosch landscape.

One of the most important opportunities presented by the site was its slope.

Rather than flattening the land to accommodate the house, the architecture works with the change in level. The lower level is embedded into the terrain, allowing the principal living spaces above to extend outward and take advantage of their elevated position.

This creates a house that reveals itself differently from every direction.

From below, it feels bold and elevated.

From above, the pitched roofs break the building into a collection of smaller forms nestled into the landscape.

And within the home, the architecture becomes much more intimate.

At the heart of this is a protected courtyard — an outdoor room enclosed by the architecture and centred around a fire.

Places for morning coffee in the sun.
Long lunches with the doors open.
Evenings around the fire.
And rooms where the surrounding landscape is always present.

The result is a home that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to its setting.

Not architecture placed onto the landscape.

Architecture shaped by it.

📍 Outeniquasbosch | Mossel Bay, South Africa

18/08/2026

A bold new architectural statement is coming to Fairhaven Estate, Somerset West.

Designed by Van der Merwe Orffer Architecture and soon to be brought to life by SPC Projects, this contemporary residence is all about the relationship between architecture, landscape and lifestyle.

Strong horizontal lines, dramatic screening elements, expansive glazing and a refined black-and-white material palette give the home its distinctive presence, while layered landscaping softens the architecture and allows it to settle naturally into its surroundings.

Beyond the façade, generous indoor-outdoor living spaces open onto terraces, entertainment areas and the pool — designed to make the most of the incredible Somerset West setting.

From concept to construction, we’re looking forward to seeing these renders become reality.

📍 Fairhaven Estate | Somerset West
✏️ Architecture: Van Der Merwe Orffer
🔨 Construction: Smart Plan Construction

Watch this space — an exciting build is about to begin.

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11/08/2026

CAF 187 | House R
Clara Anna Fontein Estate, Durbanville

Contemporary architecture shaped by its setting.
House R occupies a special position within Clara Anna Fontein Estate, directly alongside a public open space with expansive views across the surrounding landscape. The design responds by opening the home outward—creating a strong connection between architecture, garden and the views beyond.

Bold horizontal planes, deep overhangs and contrasting light and dark finishes define the exterior, while generous floor-to-ceiling glazing brings natural light deep into the home. Landscaped terraces and planted balconies soften the architecture and reinforce its relationship with the surrounding greenery.

At the heart of the house, the living spaces flow seamlessly onto the outdoor entertainment areas and pool, creating a home designed for relaxed indoor-outdoor living. From each elevation, carefully framed openings capture a different aspect of the site, while maintaining a sense of privacy and shelter.

CAF 187 House R — a contemporary family home designed to embrace its exceptional position and views.

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30/07/2026

20/07/2026

09/07/2026

A Home Framed by Landscape | Baronetcy Estate, Western Cape

Set within the elevated landscape of Baronetcy Estate, this contemporary residence is conceived as a series of carefully composed horizontal planes that respond directly to one of South Africa's most iconic settings. Every space has been orientated to celebrate uninterrupted views towards Table Mountain, allowing the architecture to become a frame for the landscape rather than compete with it.

The design embraces the site's natural topography, creating a seamless dialogue between indoor and outdoor living. Expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing dissolves the boundary between interior and exterior, while generous cantilevered roof planes provide shade during the hot summer months and shelter from the Cape's prevailing winter rains and strong south-easterly winds. These deep overhangs not only define the building's bold architectural expression but also contribute to its environmental performance.

Materiality was intentionally restrained, combining exposed concrete, natural stone, glass and crisp white planes to create a timeless composition that reflects the changing light throughout the day. Warm interior finishes soften the robust exterior palette, creating spaces that are both sophisticated and welcoming.

The home's spatial organisation centres around protected outdoor terraces and a courtyard-inspired pool, encouraging year-round outdoor living despite the Cape's dynamic climate. Cross ventilation, passive solar orientation and carefully positioned openings work together to maximise natural comfort while reducing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling.

This project is an exploration of balance—between solidity and transparency, shelter and openness, architecture and landscape. A contemporary family home that is deeply rooted in its context, where every line, material and opening has been carefully considered to capture the extraordinary beauty of Table Mountain while responding intelligently to the unique environmental conditions of the Western Cape.

Architecture is at its best when it belongs to its place.

05/07/2026