KLIPSPRINGER: AS FEATURED BY SCAPE MAGAZINE ​

​

Nestled in the breathtaking Lowveld landscape, Klipspringer embodies sustainable living, where modern architecture seamlessly integrates with nature. Designed with eco-conscious principles, this residence blends functionality, aesthetics, and environmental stewardship.

​

In the Wild Rivers Estate of Limpopo, a winged indigenous structure - crafted from local wood, rock, and soil - emerges from the earth. Positioned at the intersection of the Olifants and Blyde rivers, Klipspringer is nestled on rugged terrain, boasting stunning canyon and mountain vistas. Since 1998, the award-winning Eco Design Architects have led the charge in green buildings across South Africa. Through innovative techniques, lead architect Andy Horn has fashioned a sustainable edifice from a thoughtful mix of soils, rock, and a touch of cow dung, all of which effectively endure the region's rain and heat. JNA GROUP was responsible for the project engineering (rammed earth walls and timber structures), with JNA’s Timber Division constructing the exposed timber roof.

 

The structure's warmth, enhanced by the local climate, is moderated by naturally cooling rammed earth walls, earthen floors, and living roofs. Expansive living areas allow heat to rise, while the home is oriented southward, away from the intense sun. The eco-friendly materials selected to combat heat are regenerative, shifting away from cement and steel to earthy components that encourage nurturing, cyclical processes.

 

Here, Homed Rockdweller dragonflies thrive, having perched on the rammed earth walls since their construction—nature's way of signaling its acceptance of the building. In partnership with the JNA Group, experts in timber construction, the team ensured that the roof structure incorporated both durability and aesthetic appeal. Boron-treated eucalyptus timber posts and trusses support the pole roof rafters. A semi-succulent Plectranthus species flourishes in this environment, untouched by the local baboons, and complements the naturally occurring grasses, creating a whimsical forest that blankets the compost-and-soil roof.

 

Adjacent to the living space lies a bio pool, a tranquil haven nestled between two natural boulders within the riverine wilderness. It serves the dual purpose of providing evaporative cooling and a place for relaxation, with EcoPools devising a plan to keep the feature eco-friendly. Instead of traditional salt or chlorinated systems, plants and gravel are utilized to filter the water.

 

Period pieces evoke a sense of antiquity within the home, with heavy Zanzibari doors and dark timber cupboards providing 19th-century accents that harmonize with modern elements. The interior is oriented toward the south-facing views of the Blyde River Canyon Mountain range and its river, both of which cast their timeless allure right at the home's doorstep.

​

Inspired by the design philosophy of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the main living area rises to embrace the views, forming a U-shaped courtyard with bedrooms flanking on either side, sheltered by the dragon's wings. The resulting verandah is fortified by rammed earth walls to the west. Its structural lines emphasize the perspective, intensifying the connection between the interior and exterior, merging contemporary and earthy architectural style. 

​