Riverstead House

A home for a growing family who enjoys working in the garden and the leisure thereof. 

Set within the heritage zone of Swellendam, on a long narrow terrain with a gradual slope that stretches from a culturally significant street to the banks of the Koornlands River.

Through careful spatial design and place shaping the footprint of the home is made as compact as possible to allow maximum private garden space between the home and the river’s edge, positioned to optimise the established garden to create a sense of belonging and to allow growth within the garden.

The home is proportioned and oriented to fit well within the established setting of the street, with four distinct facades acknowledging the street, the rising sun, the river and the setting sun.   

Built with 420mm thick brick walls to resemble the heritage buildings of the area, with timber elements inserted for a comfortable tactile dwelling experience for the inhabitants.

With growing patina, the dwelling of the family is well received and nestled within the cultural landscape of Swellendam.