A HERITAGE REIMAGINED: THE NEW SOETMELKSVLEI EXTENSION

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Set within the pastoral surrounds of the Cape Boland, the newly extended Soetmelksvlei at Babylonstoren is a considered blend of tradition and innovation. Conceived as a living history farm, the project required a careful balance between restoration and reinterpretation. JNA Group was entrusted with this balance through the construction of exposed roof structures that honour the past while responding to present-day expectations of craft and performance.

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JNA Roofing was responsible for the timber construction across the site, while JNA Thatchers completed the thatch coverings with the precision and care that define the Group’s work. Together, these teams realised a collection of nine new buildings, each roofed in sustainably harvested poplar timber and covered in Cape Reed thatch. In total, one hundred cubic metres of poplar timber were prepared and assembled, all sourced with sustainability in mind and crafted for longevity.

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The design draws inspiration from the rustic elegance of Nordic barn architecture, introducing a measured Scandinavian sensibility to a distinctly South African landscape. The architecture is quiet and robust, its proportions simple yet carefully resolved. Square-sawn poplar beams lend each structure clarity and rhythm. These elements recall the hand-shaped timber frames of traditional farm buildings, while their uniform finish introduces a contemporary refinement. This considered use of traditional material in modern form reflects the project’s underlying ethos: continuity through innovation.

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Historic components were handled with equal care. The manor house and old wine cellar were reconstructed using time-honoured poplar pole configurations, a hallmark of regional construction. These methods were not merely preserved, but integrated meaningfully into the broader architectural language. Where new elements were required, they were introduced with restraint. Engineered timber and clean steel tie beams replaced older structural solutions, removing the need for low horizontal ties and allowing for uninterrupted interior volumes. The resulting spaces feel open, generous, and filled with light.

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The thatching process, completed by JNA Thatchers, brought additional texture and depth to the architecture. Using Cape Reed thatch, each roof was shaped with precision and consistency. The result is both functional and expressive. The texture of the reed and the warmth of the poplar beneath form a coherent visual language, quietly linking structure to landscape.

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Soetmelksvlei is more than a collection of restored and newly constructed buildings. It is a carefully orchestrated environment that respects memory while accommodating change. JNA Group’s capacity to deliver at this scale rests on its comprehensive in-house capabilities. With multiple thatching and timber teams supported by experienced engineers, draftsmen, and site managers, the company maintains close control over execution, quality, and programme. Decades of industry experience, combined with an enduring commitment to craftsmanship, ensure that projects of this nature are delivered with both technical integrity and architectural sensitivity.

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In every beam, joint, and thatch detail, Soetmelksvlei reflects a broader architectural narrative, one that honours the heritage of the Cape while quietly embracing its evolution. We are pleased to have contributed to a project that values craftsmanship, material integrity and thoughtful execution. Our thanks to JDV Construction and Open City Architects for their collaboration throughout.

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JNA Roofing and Thatchers Expertise in timber. Mastery in thatch. Committed to thoughtful construction.

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