Hilltop Huisies

Hilltop Huisies form part of !Khwa ttu cultural precinct’s new guest accommodation.

Perched atop a rocky koppie, the Hilltop Huisies enjoy expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain beyond. Carefully sited to balance privacy and exposure to the landscape, the structures are arranged around a laterite courtyard, drawing inspiration from the traditional West Coast werf.

The accommodation comprises four one-bedroom guest suites split between two buildings. On approach, the scale and identity of the buildings are deliberately concealed behind two large granite werf mure, constructed from local stone to anchor the courtyard in its natural surroundings. The material palette embraces tactility and authenticity: white-washed clay brick, rough-sawn pine, local granite, and grano screeds with exposed stone aggregates from a nearby quarry.

The architecture works with the terrain, stepping down the slope and dissolving into the landscape. Each suite includes a private courtyard protected from prevailing winds, and a covered stoep offers shade from the intense West Coast sun. Generous openings in both living and sleeping areas allow for immersive views and natural light, while discreet vent panels within the glazing frames promote cross-ventilation.

With their compact scale, tactile materiality, and understated elegance, the Hilltop Huisies embody a contemporary regionalist sensibility—rooted in place and responsive to both climate and culture.