MODERN CAPE DUTCH
House in De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate, Stellenbosch
This style is characterized by gable ends and pure white walls, and these two rules leave much room for interpretation. Unlike historical Cape Dutch buildings, verandahs with beams and large apertures on the ground floor are welcome. This image courtesy of ARCHITECTCAPETOWN
CONTEMPORARY
Contemporary House in Somerset West
The contemporary style involves the curving of planes and lines and planes that as opposed to straight lines and box forms of the modern style. Go to ARCHITECTCOMPANIESCAPETOWN for more homes in of this kind.
COLONIAL
Colonial Style Polo House in Paarl
The picture shows a luxury home that was designed by ARCHITECTCAPETOWN to overlook a polo field in Paarl, South Africa, and is a good example of the colonial style. The colonial style is marked by rounded columns and pitched roofs often in grey tiles. The buildings are almost always painted white. Many visitors who enjoy this site also visit CAPEGLOSSY for inspiration.
THE MODERN STYLE
House in De Hageland Estate
The modern style is characterized by straight lines, boxy forms, and very little detailing such as plaster molding bands. Visit TOP-ARCHITECTS to learn more about the style.
CAPE DUTCH
Boschendal Manor House between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
The curvaceous gable in a symmetrical façade is the hallmark of the style. Symmetrically placed windows and a thatch roof are other key features. This image courtesy of ARCHITECTCAPEDUTCH the website for all things Cape Dutch.
FRENCH PROVENCAL STYLE
luxury House in Val de Vie Estate, Paarl
This is a modernized version with smooth plaster — the traditional buildings are more rustic. The buildings are derived from country homes in farming region of South France, and typically have large wooden shutters on the windows, and pitched roofs with hipped ends. At the website RESIDENTIAL-ARCHITECTS, you can learn more about this style.
FRENCH PARISIAN
Val de Vie Wine and Polo Estate, Paarl, South Africa
This style is similar to French Provincial but minus the shatters. Typically the gables are ended with pediments that work best with 30 degree roofs. White suites these homes beset. Designed by Beverley Hui Architects. Their official website - ARCHITECTCAPETOWN, has more about other popular house architecture styles in South Africa, and in Cape Town in particular.
CAPE VERNACULAR STYLE
House Wood in Schonenburg Estate, Somerset West
This country style has its roots in early Cape country architecture, and consists of a collection of barn-like buildings. The roofs are made of metal roof add have clipped eaves. This image was provided by RESIDENTIAL-ARCHITECTS official website.
TUDOR STYLE
Tudor House In Spanish Farm, Somerset West
The type is characterized by dark bracing beams on the facades of the homes, and heavily dormered roof-lines, with slate roofs and face brick chimneys. This style has its origins in domestic timber construction in Germany where the wooden beams served to brace the walls. Go to GLOSSY-MAGAZINE for other styles in Cape Town.
SPANISH ARCHITECTURE STYLE
Home on the Cliffs of Helderberg Mountain
The Spanish style is marked by turret chimneys and white walls with flat roofs. Some areas may have tiled red roofs with a single pitch. This style was in bloom in South Africa in the 80’s, and the upmarket suburb, “Spanish Farm” in Somerset west is is named after these homes. Visit GLITYMAGAZINE for more upmarket activities and interesting architecture taking place in Cape Town and Somerset West.
ENGLISH COUNTRY
Thatch Roof house in Somerset West
The English Country style is distinguished by face brick and thatch roof. Most of these homes have tall chimneys, but this one is an exception. Visit CAPETOWNSPLENDOUR for more architecture attractions and style ideas in Cape Town.
TUSCAN
Tuscan Style villa on the slopes of Helderberg Mountain
These beautiful homes have no fascias on the roof-ends, so you can see the trusses on the eaves line. The stucco walls and tiled red roofs give further character. The style of the windows and doors can vary quite a lot, and shutters are often present, but not entirely necessary. Visit PLOTSFORSALECAPETOWN for more information.