discreet white cottage by KLG architects perches on south african hillside

Watson Cottage seamlessly fuses with the mountain

Cape Town-based KLG Architects designs a small cottage that emerges as a tranquil retreat nestled against the mountain backdrop of Betty’s Bay, South Africa. Conceived as a getaway home, the structure faces the vast expanse of the sea as the discreet architecture fuses with the landscape. Watson Cottage consists of two distinct forms, the living wing, and the bedroom wing, seamlessly merging to create a unified whole. Within the layout, two bedrooms are connected by a shared space, promoting a sense of intimacy. The common living area, adorned with patio platforms on both sides, opens views to the mountain and ocean, effortlessly blending the exterior and interior zones. The project boasts refined tectonic details accentuating the cottage’s simple and modern form.

all images by ©Dave Southwood

timber, glass, and bagged brickwork compose Watson Cottage

Large glass window boxes provide panoramic views to the scenery as ample natural light floods the interior. The living space thoughtfully frames a linear perspective of the ocean’s horizon to the South. The design team harmoniously integrates the cottage with the surrounding landscape through the use of natural materials, simple forms, and clean lines. Timber accents carefully incorporated throughout create a sense of continuity while also infusing the space with a comforting warmth. A natural palette of timber, glass, and bagged brickwork adds texture and allows for a reconnection with the natural surroundings. The plan of Watson cottage follows the contours of the mountain forming exterior pockets and a continuous flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.

the front facade of the structure stands in harmony with the mountain backdrop

timber accents carefully incorporated throughout create a sense of continuity

as seen from the original house, the new composition seamlessly integrates with the landscape

a natural palette of timber, glass, and bagged brickwork adorns the interior

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floor plan

through-section

western elevation

site plan

project info:

name: Watson Cottage
designer: KLG Architects | @klgarchitects

location: Betty’s Bay, South Africa

photography: Dave Southwood | @davesouthwood

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom