Dune House
a LOOKBOOK Studio production Words by Terri de Sousa Photography by Warren Heath Art direction & Styling by Charl Francois Edwards Styling by Storm Ross
In Betty’s Bay there are no pavements along the tarred roads, and off the tarred roads are dirt roads that slice through the rugged coastal vegetation. Along one such dirt road is the official address of the Dune House. But the Dune House does not seem to belong to the road at all, but rather to the landscape that surrounds it.
The Dune House pays reverence to the space it occupies. It’s a timber structure that gently sits above the sand, the surrounding indigenous grasses and bushes unscathed. Michel and Saskia, the owners, were determined to preserve the dunes that are painstakingly being rehabilitated by residents and conservationists.
The couple has quite suddenly become the co-custodians of this sliver of coastline. They now spend weekends hacking out alien rooikrans, and pack the cuttings on the sand around their erf and beyond to promote the propagation of new plants that will further stabilise the dunes. ‘Having this shared sense of responsibility for the dunes that surround us instantly creates a spirit of community,’ adds Michel.
Above Michel, Saskia and Huey (their schnauzer) amble down to the beach daily from their home.
Every aspect of the Dune House is either informed or inspired by its surroundings. The rise and dip of the corrugated roof mimics the crest of a wave threatening to crash, but it is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. ‘The curvature makes the structure more streamlined, allowing the summer winds to sweep over it. The sand naturally migrates here. If you were to build a big square structure, you would prevent that from happening,’ explains Geoff George of KLG Architects. He is a Betty’s Bay resident with first-hand knowledge of its climatic conditions, environmental considerations and local lifestyle.
‘After buying the stand, we would drive here from Cape Town, and sit and stare at the view, dreaming about what we would one day build. When the pandemic hit, priorities shifted. We asked ourselves, “Why not just do it now?” And from there, it all just rolled into reality,’ says Michel.
Initially, the project was briefed as a secondary home, a place where Saskia, Michel and his son Lukas could retreat to on weekends – and perhaps sneak in a work day on either side. However, once inhabited, it evolved into something less transient. It was the home they had always wanted. So, here they are, with their miniature schnauzer, Huey, living permanently in their cabin by the sea.
The panoramic views of mountain, sea and sand; framed by the gigantic doors, could convert the most resolute city-slicker to a quiet coastal life. The elements can be fully experienced from the comfort of the cabin. Watch a winter storm swirl at sea while sitting in front of the fire. Wait for the surf to roll in while enjoying a cup of coffee in bed. And when it does, it’s a short stroll along the pathway, board under arm, to get to the break. ‘It just happens that the only place you can’t see the waves from is our workspace, which is probably a good thing,’ smiles Saskia.
Above and below Pared-back interiors maximise the clean lines of the wooden structure and the vast vistas beyond. The master bedroom is modest and secluded: a bed covered in comfy linen, cleverly concealed storage in the wall, and a sliding door opening onto a patchwork of wild plants that eventually dissolve into the blue waters.
There is a utilitarianism to the design when viewed through the lens of a life at the seaside. The bathroom has an exterior door that opens up from the dune straight into the shower. The untreated Siberian larch cladding will withstand the harshest of seasons, and with time, will transition from gold to silver, disappearing into the sandy tones almost completely.
Everything inside is wood. It creates a cocoon of warmth and richness. It’s a bold statement, whispered throughout the entire home. Martin Helmbold of Quali-projects has worked with architect Geoff numerous times, executing his distinctive designs down to the slightest detail. To achieve the same standards on this project, he partnered with carpenter Hebert Robinson. ‘Hebert is not only one of the best carpenters our region has to offer, he is always willing to look for clever structural solutions, without compromising aesthetic appeal.’ The evidence of this is everywhere. Hebert is responsible for just about every wooden element of the project – from the structure and finishes to the clever headboard in the master suite, which contains all the bathroom plumbing.
The wood is a textural base from which to successfully leverage a minimalist lifestyle. You don’t need more than one hand to count the contents of each room. A tan leather couch, a fireplace stacked with logs and a selection of books. What more do you need on a perfect beach day? What more do you need on a stormy day at the sea?
Geoff added two spaces to the initial brief. A guest room that is is separate from the main house but elegantly connected by the boardwalk. It has its own view of the mountain ranges. The second addition was the plan to add a future garage at street level, with storage for the couple’s mountain bikes and surfboards. Perhaps Geoff had an inclination that this would never be just a secondary home.
The Dune House is what it set out to be, a weekend cabin that is simple, cosy and picturesque. And Michel and Saskia have proven that in this space life can be simple, cosy and picturesque, not just on the weekend, but all the time.
Above Large sliding doors allow for uninterrupted views. Whether the weather begs for a day outdoors or to be appreciated from the warm safety within, the abundant glass encourages this duality. Above A cozy reading nook in the bedroom overlooks a moody winter’s day in Kogelberg Biosphere.