CAPE DUTCH ARCHITECTURE

Cape Dutch Architecture, is a style that developed in the cape region of South Africa in the 17th century, by mainly French and Dutch settlers.  The marked feature of the style is the main white gable on the central axis of the house.  Ornamental gables were added to the Cape Town buildings in the early days for settlement, but the custom did not spread to the rural areas until the 1750's although some farms houses did have dormer gables capped by triangles as early as 1710, as at Voorgelegen, Stellenbosch.

Several factors contributed to the continuance of the farmer's prosperity during the second half of the eighteenth century and particularly during the period from 1781 when there was a French garrison as the Cape. As de Bosdari observed, 'Prosperity reigned, and extravangance with it: Capetonians plunged into debt, beautified their houses and imported  furniture on credit'.  This was reflected in the gables which the farmers added to their Cape Dutch Homes during that period.

The gable which became fashionable was the highly ornate Baroque type such as that on the Cape Dutch house at Hazendal, dated 1790.  The moulding around the outline of the concavo-convex gable became deeper and richer and the lower convex curves developed into volutes sweeping across the face of the gable. The segmental cap was split into two smaller volutes and a motif, such as a shell, was inserted between.

The Cape Dutch house plan, typically consisted of a simple H, or U shape building. The width of each segment being limited by the span of the roof, to around 6.5m.

Walls were roughly plastered and finished with white wash, giving rise to a very charming domestic architecture, that is typically Cape Dutch.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE CAPE DUTCH GABLE

Early "Baroque" gables at Joostenberg, Hanzendal, Morgenster & Vergelegen.

Later "Neo-classical" gables at Rustenberg, La Dauphine & Neethlingshof (cellar).

The earliest Cape Dutch gables were lobed with all curves in the same direction in a cloud-like fashion. (see Joostenburg example)   The concavo-convex, or “holbol” gable developed soon after.  Simple forms are found at Spier and Vergenoegd.   The holbol gables soon became more elaborate, in a kind of “baroque” style. The plasterwork was very decorative, and their were a variety of patterns, including scrolls and urns. The design was often capped with a typical baroque shell-shape at the top.  Examples of baroque Cape Dutch gables are found at Hazendal, Morgenster, and Idas Valley . The pedimented gable began to replace the baroque Cape Dutch gables.  A central panel, surrounding the front door and gable window, projected forwarded to take a round or triangular pediment such as can be found at Stellenberg, Groot Constantia, and Rustenberg. 

These sporadic early pedimented Cape Dutch gables were soon followed by the typical pilaster or “Neo-classical” gables, which burst into bloom almost overnight at about 1975, after the elaborate baroque style had burnt itself out. Two sets of pilasters gave structure to the gable, and the inner set gave oppurtunity for decoration with urns. The gables were sometimes further decorated with scrolls, swags, vases, stars and even vines (see the house at Bourgogne ). 

(Adapted by Beverley Hui, from H.Fransen & M.Cook, The Old Houses of the Cape, 1965, A.A Balkema / Cape Town / Amsterdam)  

CONTEMPORAY INTERPRETATIONS OF CAPE DUTCH ARCHITECTURE

A number of very beautiful contemporary buildings have been erected in the last 50 years.  Some attempt to emulate the traditional Cape Dutch buildings exactly, while others have made a more bold of their modernism. At Tokara, the gable is completely straight and at 30º, in a fashion unthinkable by the 18^th century Cape settlers.  Various Modern interpretations of the Cape Dutch Style, are to be found at the wine Estates of Zorgvliet and La Motte.

The modern interpretations of Cape Dutch layouts, often make good use of the typical H-plan, with an elongated middle portion, so that a sizeable “covered stoep” can be introduced between the two wings of the “H”. The U-shape can also be pleasantly re-interpreted for modern needs, by pushing the wings outward to create a useful space in middle, big enough for a sheltered swimming pool and entertainment area.  

Right: Modern Cape Dutch House designs by Beverley Hui architect, in the modern Cape Dutch Style, or Cap e Vernacular , as it has been termed by the Estates.  Contact the architect to design your home in a Traditional or Modern Cape Dutch Style house plan, to suite your dreams…  

For more information click on the link:  www.architectcapetown.co.za

BO LA MOTTE - Wine Farm

ZEVENWACHT - Wine Farm

LA DAUPHINE - Wine Farm

MODERN CAPE DUTCH-Beverley Hui Architects

MODERN CAPE DUTCH-Beverley Hui Architects

CAPE COUNTRY-Beverley Hui Architects