This 93-year-old residence in Oranjezicht, originally designed by Henry Davidge-Pitts with 1945 additions, presented a unique challenge: a century of disparate "interventions" that had obscured its primary character. The brief was to resolve these layers into a singular, coherent home that honors its historical significance while functioning for a modern, growing family.

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The design process was deeply collaborative, shaped by the client’s vision for a French Provençal aesthetic and a desire to return the home to its 1930s roots. This led to a strategy of dualities. The formal living and dining rooms were meticulously restored to their original proportions and period details. In contrast, the rear of the house was opened up to create a contemporary, light-filled kitchen and family wing. These new spaces spill out onto a north-facing terraced garden, climbing the slope to an eco-pool that frames views of Table Mountain.

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The journey involved navigating the complexities inherent in an aged structure. From stabilizing original foundations to addressing water-soaked masonry, the technical process was an exercise in preservation and problem-solving. By balancing the restoration of the Davidge-Pitts legacy with a forward-looking spatial layout, the project transforms a historical artifact into a soulful, enduring family sanctuary.

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