Extending themes introduced

in the earlier Tree House (AR

November 1999), this latest
dwelling by Van der Merwe
Miszewski exploits the specic
nature of Cape Towns steeply
sloping bowl-like topography.
Sloping down towards the north,
the site takes in views of Table
Mountain, Devils Peak, Lions
Head and Signal Hill, an adjacent
pine forest, the citys gridiron
CBD and the Atlantic beyond.
Heavily occupied by large
and mature specimens of
exotic and indigenous trees, set
among rocks and moss-covered
boulders, the site has been
planned in three distinct parts,
on three levels; all of which are
traversed by a dry river course
called a donga. The uppermost
element is the prominent bridgeform that gives the house its
name and that contains entry
and living spaces accessed via an
elevated gangway to the southwest. Below this, set against an
embedded retaining wall, are two
oors of bedrooms and garaging;
and along the lowest contour
to the north, is a self-contained
guesthouse that spans the pond.

From the street, the white

retaining wall creates a
boundary between street and
landscape, allowing architects to
reinvent what they refer to as
an ancient garden within a found
valley. With all three structures
placed at the perimeter of the
site, a central space is created
that provides a private external
area, traditionally known in the
Cape as a werf. In this, working
with landscape architect Tarna
Klitzner, the donga remains as
a natural focus, with a pool
and stream set within the dry
riverbed, flowing across the site
into the pond to the north that
sits beneath the guesthouse.
In contrast to the massive
masonry construction of the
lower levels, the uppermost
bridge element is formed by
a lightweight steel structure,
extending the architects play
between monolith and frame.
Here the contrast has been used
to maximum effect, to control
views and to create distinct
internal expressions. Upon entry
from the street, visitors either
turn left into the generous
living area an ideal space for

HOUSE , H IGGOVALE , C APE T OWN , S OUTH A FRICA

ARCHITECT
VAN DER MERWE MISZEWSKI

Bridge house
Poised above Cape Town, this house
exploits its dramatic sloping site.

84 | 6

1
From low level, the
bridge element
sits high above the
steeply sloping site.
2
The house hovers in
the landscape.
3
From the street,
entering across an
elevated gangway,
the bridge element
neatly frames the
dramatic views.
4
From the street
only the upper level
is revealed.

85 | 6

2
1

upper level (entrance) plan

4
1 entrance gangway
2 kitchen/living
3 roof terrace
4 bedroom
5 garage
6 external dining
7 guesthouse

intermediate floor plan

section looking west

6
7
6

4
N

lower level floor plan

86 | 6

exhibiting the clients furniture

(they own Linteloo, a Dutch
furniture company) turn right
to descend into the bedrooms
below, or proceed straight ahead
onto a spectacular roof terrace.
Throughout the interiors,
environment and views are
controlled by timber-slatted
screens that provide shade
and soften an otherwise hard
composition. Other softer

section looking south

moments exist, with subtle

cranks in plan and gentle curves
along the perimeter wall. All
levels are linked by a dramatic
triple-height stairwell that leads
to an external dining terrace in
the shadow of the bridge.
ROB GREGORY
Architect
Van der Merwe Miszewski
Photographs
Dennis Gilbert/VIEW

5
Spaces are linked by
triple height stairs.
6
The living area and
external terrace enjoy
the most spectacular
northerly views.
7
Lower levels are
enclosed, defined by
massive masonry
walls.
8
The uppermost living
area is bright and airy.

HOUSE , H IGGOVALE , C APE

TOWN , S OUTH A FRICA
ARCHITECT
VAN DER MERWE MISZEWSKI

87 | 6