st james cottage

Bungalow St James is situated against the steep mountain overlooking the False Bay coast between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay. St James is a heritage-protected area, home to several grand old houses reminiscent of a wealthy colonial past. Today it is a trendy area known for its historic promenade, tidal pools, and old-world charm.

The refurbishment of the cottage commenced by stripping the existing structure of all insensitive additions and finishes that had deteriorated over the years, thus re-establishing the integrity of the original cottage. A glass box that was built on the sea-fronting southern façade was removed and replaced by a deep, cantilevering timber-slatted verandah roof that allows for a shaded deck overlooking the ocean.

The roof sheeting was replaced, and translucent sheeting was introduced to allow more light into the interior spine. Ceilings were removed to expose the timber roof structure, creating a dramatic volume within a relatively small building footprint.

To allow for more northern light into the south-facing cottage, the house was opened up to the back stone retaining wall to create a light well that also serves as a visual backdrop to internal spaces. The living and kitchen area opens up in both directions to ensure a visual connection to the ocean as well as towards the mountain behind.

The central corridor was converted into a well-lit bathroom spine servicing the bedrooms on the east. The compact layout allows for three bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, within a very small space. The original Oregon timber floors were repaired, and additional planks were sourced where necessary. All the existing timber windows were in very poor condition and were replaced by aluminium windows and shutters. High-level windows were provided in the bathroom walls into the roof space to create points of interest and also to borrow light from the bathroom spine.

The end result is a comfortable yet chic holiday bungalow where old and new are seamlessly adjoined, constantly aware of the history of the area and of the surrounding ocean and mountains pouring into the internal spaces.

photos by stephané van eck photography