TIMBER & THATCH
GONDWANA HOME, SOUTHERN CAPE
Against the fynbos ridges of the Garden Route, this Gondwana residence draws on the Southern Cape thatching tradition. Cape thatching reed, harvested from the winter rainfall belt, was installed at the correct thickness and pitch to deliver both the climatic performance and visual character.
BABYLONSTOREN, FRANSCHHOEK
At Babylonstoren in Franschhoek, original thatched roofs that had been replaced with metal sheeting were reinstated in 2007. The Cape Dutch gables and curved rooflines were rethatched in reed to restore their original form.
The work required familiarity with heritage building fabric and the craft standards expected of a property of this significance. At the adjacent Soetmelksvlei farm, designed by Open City Architects, the same thatching expertise was applied to a working Cape farm complex where authenticity of material and method was essential.
Together, the projects reflect how skilled thatching can support both heritage restoration and visitor experience.
SA poplar roof trusses carry the structure beneath the thatch. Inside, hand-finished poplar linings and exposed South African pine trusses bring the craftsmanship into the interior. The result is a layered relationship between reed, timber, light, and place.
Project team and credits
Location: Gondwana Private Game Reserve Thatching: JNA Group Thatchers and Timber Divisions Photo: Ruan Redelinghuys
Project team and credits
Babylonstoren and Soetmelksvlei, Franschhoek Location credit: Babylonstoren and Soetmelksvlei Thatching: JNA Group Thatchers and Timber Divisions Photo: Babylonstoren and JNA Group