Timber windows

Inspiration came from the historical typology of the Cape rural agricultural vernacular which was synonymous with the surrounding area. Limewashed fisherman’s dwellings and agricultural structures for livestock were the norm prior to the area becoming a popular respite from the city life of Cape Town 90km (55 mi) away and a village where many residents have retired to this idyllic coastline. Paris Brummer The home is formed by the simple juncture of two pitched volumes. Inhabitable fingers which form a sheltered L-shaped courtyard extend into the site. A contemporary interpretation of the historical built language. The primary axis containing the living spaces open up towards the panoramic mountain vista which themselves ultimat... More

The project forms part of the eco-district at Jonction. This public facilities building complements the three existing residential units. Its programme includes a crèche, a sports hall, premises for extracurricular activities and a multi-purpose hall. Olivier di Giambattista On the site, this public facilities building is organized according to the principle of differentiated, yet related blocks offset against each other. The building’s compact design frees up land for a high-quality urban public space within the new district. This square is in continuity with a series of urban open spaces that end at the corner opening onto the Rue des Gazomètres, thus creating a new entrance to the former Artamis site. Olivier... More

Located between Kogelberg Biosphere Mountain Range and the Atlantic Ocean, House Lowe sits elegantly in its surrounding landscape. It is this location and the site’s climatic conditions which ultimately shape and inform the building’s design. This is illustrated through a series of frames, which continuously connects the user to magnificent ocean and mountain views around the site .   Damien Schumann In view of the characteristics of the site, the owner did not want a house with a conventional front and back but a design that permitted a 360-degree enjoyment of both the mountain and ocean views. Additionally, the owner is an avid collector of first world wines and also required facilities to be able to work from home.... More

Set at the edge of a watercourse below the Harold Porter Botanical Garden, this modest new timber framed holiday house attempts to make the most of its natural surroundings in an uncomplicated way. Damian Schumann The house is positioned to the northeast of the site, screening off the neighbours and opening up towards the wetland on the western side.  Damian Schumann The long axis is orientated north-south towards a dramatic kloof in the mountains beyond. A large, glazed gable end and a clerestory window in the kitchen make the view part of the inhabitants’ everyday routine. By lifting the building off the ground, vegetation and wildlife is allowed to live right up to and under the building’s edge, while intimat... More

This project is located in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve on the southern stretch of the Hottentots Holland mountain range. The area is a renowned world Heritage Site and considered the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom with its remarkable selection of mountain fynbos. Kogelberg Nature Reserve caters to the budding tourist industry of the Western Cape’s coastline and provides a tranquil escape just a few hours outside of Cape Town.   Vast valleys, rolling mountains and indigenous fynbos vistas characterize the site.  The project consists of a series of facilities which include an administration building that accommodates the reserves environmental staff; a natural ecological swimming pool; a network of floating timber boardwa... More

"The architectural design of the year 2021” award in the Restoration/Renovation category.   What is today Galeria Vasco da Gama 26 was a long-abandoned historic building in the Portuguese town centre of Ferragudo. The rehabilitation of this untouched historical property, with its facade and character still unspoilt, was long coming for our studio, which had envisioned the concept since setting our eyes on it in 2004. This wasn’t for us just any restoration work, but the opportunity to create simultaneously home and a multipurpose space for the community to enjoy. A venue for tourists and residents alike to discover the architecture, the history and the people of this little town according to the spirit of cultural pres... More

The two houses, which are combined in one building, continue the existing development along the slope edge and the street. They close the last existing gap in this line. The valley and mountain views remain unobstructed.   The parking spaces are arranged along the Alte Hofstetterstrasse. A short staircase leads to the entrances of the houses, where the bicycle parking spaces are located in a covered room under the parking. On the spaciously glazed ground floor with living, dining, kitchen and outside seating you can enjoy the view over Flüh to the monastery of Mariastein and the ruins of Landskron. On the floor above there are two rooms and the bathroom under the spectacular, multiple buckled roof shape. The sculptural stairwell... More

The Villa Mostaccini, situated on the hills of Bordighera, is one of the most beautiful and important villas in Liguria. Built in 1932 in the characteristic stile of the late Italian renaissance, it has been meticulously restored to the highest standards of design, while maintaining the original details that distinguish it. Capoferri substituted all wood windows as well as their sills and reveals, maintaining the aspect of traditional windows and blending perfectly with the historic aesthetics of the villa. Where possible, certain elements, like for instance the internal wooden shutters and the brass handles, have been restored and refitted rather than substituted. For the elegant living room with its stunning view of the sea Architect Maig... More