Inqaba Mndeni
Centred around the idea of creating a central safe space for a young family, located on a mountainside farm, outside the town of Dundee, KwaZulu Natal. This project aims to replace an existing, dilapidated farmhouse on a clearing with expansive views to the North. The project serves to become the new homestead for a young couple, already farming in the area
The home comprises four distinct wings that completely closes off a central courtyard to create a secured outside space. Approached from between the trees and accessed from the back of the clearing. Elevated on a raised platform, visitors would enter the main living wing via the courtyard to be welcomed into a warm, textured space. The living and working spaces orient towards the large enclosed stoep that lives towards the view. Additionally, these spaces provide surveillance towards the approaching access road. The bedrooms make up the two smaller wings, where the main is optimised for maximum views and Northern sunlight exposure and the two children’s bedrooms face into the courtyard for additional security
The material choice is natural stone from the site, but also recycled red face brick from a collapsed outbuilding. Locally made, bespoke timber trusses to be used in the main living areas. Warm tones tie the charcoal windows and roof sheeting in with the natural stone. The farm aesthetic is continued throughout to bring a final “at home” feeling
