Hillside Residence by GASS Architecture Studios in Stellenbosch, South Africa

Project: Hillside Residence
Architects: GASS Architecture Studios
Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Photography: Kate Del Fante Scott

Hillside Residence by GASS Architecture Studios

GASS Architecture Studios designed the Hillside Residence — an absolutely stunning modern home located on the slopes of the Helderberg hills in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The house sits on a hillside slope, giving it height and offering breathtaking views across the endless horizon.

Located on the slopes of the Helderberg hills in Stellenbosch and nestled comfortably between rolling vineyards, a koppi (a small granite hill), and a river below, the Hillside Residence is both alluring and contrasts with its surroundings while perfectly integrating into them.

As you approach the house via a steep driveway winding through vineyards, the entrance road and front yard represent a modern interpretation of traditional farmhouse design. This is characterized by the overall layout of the house, but also more specifically — a gravel drive, spacious front yard, open parking area reminiscent of a barn, and a water feature resembling an animal feeder. This modern animal feeder is supplied with water from the architectural fountain on the roof of the house.

These farmhouse features are not limited to visual perception alone. Other senses are also stimulated: your sense of smell is awakened by the aromas of fields and rural landscapes, while your hearing is engaged by the sound of gravel under car tires.

There's always a feeling of arrival each time you visit the Hillside. Access to the front door is provided via a double-sided staircase on either side of the gravel entrance courtyard. This short staircase serves as a hint to colonial influences in traditional Cape architecture, characteristic of buildings in the Cape (many buildings in Cape Town and surrounding areas such as the Castle of Good Hope, City Hall, and Tokai Manor House feature this type of double-sided staircase).

As a visitor — and as the homeowner — you fully appreciate the remarkable surroundings. However, upon entering the farm-style inner courtyard, the scale of the house shifts from three stories to a double volume, so you don't get the impression of all floors and levels. Beyond this moment, it is no longer a farmhouse in the traditional sense.

Before ascending the steps to the solid wooden double front door, you can also choose to go down towards the guest rooms (which are currently used by the owner's older children when they're not at university).

A recurring architectural feature of the house is its numerous sloping granite walls. Most of these stones were quarried from the site itself. The front door is also located within one of these granite walls. Before entering, you don't know what to expect on the other side — it's like a TARDIS with unexpected treasures beyond! Passing through the threshold, you are immediately greeted by a large window overlooking the inner courtyard, around which the house was designed, and the koppi (small granite hill) behind the house. The koppi, like the rest of the garden, is adorned with local fynbos and indigenous plants, while to the side lies a kitchen garden.

– GASS Architecture Studios