RENIER PRINS ARCHITECTS
Spearheading Innovative Design
Farm Kouwdouw, George
Beautiful Farmhouse Transformation
This Beautiful Farmhouse Transformation reshaped an old ESCOM tower on a the farm Kouwdouw, George, into a stunning modern dwelling with sweeping views.
To maximize the connection with the surrounding countryside, distinct building forms were introduced, incorporating large-scale windows and full-height glazing elements that offer expansive views throughout.
While much of the original building was preserved, the northern façade was opened up to frame breathtaking views of the farm and the Outeniqua Mountains.
In keeping with the building's heritage, the iconic, vault-like double entrance doors were retained and integrated into the new design.
The original steel staircase and roof access hatch were also preserved, serving as lasting reminders of a bygone era.
The ground floor features a cozy, open-plan living space, while two spacious en-suite bedrooms are located on the upper level.
The building's massing was broken down into smaller, human-scaled elements, designed to respect and blend harmoniously with the surrounding natural environment.
The security perimeter fence was removed, but the guard house was preserved, maintaining its presence as part of the site's history.
The ground floor living area seamlessly flows onto a covered deck that wraps around the building, creating a natural transition between the indoor living spaces and the surrounding nature.
The upper bedrooms open onto a balcony, which is shaded by a timber pergola designed to limit excessive sunlight while maintaining a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.
Steel structures accentuate the entrance and also serve to support the original ESCOM tower, which has been opened up to frame panoramic views.
"Architects spend an entire life with this unreasonable idea that you can fight against gravity."
- Renzo Piano
