- Overview
- Client
- Project Date
We were commissioned to design a family home in Bishopscourt, a suburb rich in mature trees and natural canopy, nestled beneath the eastern slopes of Table Mountain and bordering Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. The site is defined by its beautiful old trees, dappled light, and remarkable views toward this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The client, the son of a previous client, brought with him a multi-generational trust in our practice—a testament to the
enduring value of architect-client relationships.
A general contractor and seasoned property developer, the client approached the project with practical insight and a collaborative spirit. We enjoy working with him because there is a strong mutual respect. He has a deep understanding of construction and values our attention to proportion, aesthetics, and the practical flow of spaces in daily family life.
The design is driven by nature, sunlight, and views. Almost every room faces north, ensuring maximum exposure to sunlight and uninterrupted views of the gardens and mountains. The home is made for entertaining. The pool is deep enough for kids to play water polo, while the outdoor entertainment areas and braai spaces flow seamlessly from the interior.
Security was a key consideration, with the family bedrooms located upstairs and guest accommodation on the lower level.
Architecturally, the home is defined by clean, simple forms that reflect the client’s pragmatic mindset, yet these are softened through the use of curves and natural materials. Off-shutter concrete and natural stone ground the house in its environment, while timber screens filter northern light and introduce a sense of drama, particularly in the double-volume entrance. Tall, full-height glass sliding doors and subtle curved internal walls enhance the sense of openness and fluidity.
The south-facing boundary wall is largely solid, creating privacy from neighbouring properties. To avoid placing windows on this side, natural light is brought in through carefully positioned skylights. The palette is deliberately restrained, using natural textures and materials that complement the established landscape of trees, lawns, and indigenous planting.
The entire house is conceived as a place that responds to and respects its setting, drawing inspiration from the nearby Kirstenbosch gardens. Lincoln Drive House is a quiet celebration of its location: a family home that opens generously to light, nature, and the rhythms of daily life, and a design that balances practicality with poetic gestures, creating spaces that feel both grounded and elevated
