De Hoop Reserve, South Africa

Morukuru Ocean House

Architects : Nicholas Plewman Architects
Interior Designers : Huis van Middenmeer
Operator : Morukuru Family

The brief for Ocean House was to come up with a design that complements the unique landscape where bush and sea meet and keep the ecological footprint to a minimum.

The response is an off-grid, low-slung, contemporary structure made with local bricks, clad in local sandstone, with huge windows making the most of the views. The Fynbos-planted green roof allows the house to disappear into the landscape.

Solar and back-up power, borehole water for irrigation and a wood-burning stove for boiler and under-floor heating contribute to low-impact luxury.

Photographer : Dook Clunies