Stellenbosch in its Regional and Historical Context

Stellenbosch is South Africa’s oldest urban settlement.  It was originally settled in the 1680’s by Dutch settlers who were followed soon thereafter by the French Huguenots who settled in the surrounding region.  Being at the heart of the Cape Winelands, the town remained essentially an agricultural center and has retained its village character to this day.  

During the 18th and 19th centuries the architecture of the town and surrounding region was dominated by the Cape Dutch style. This beautiful vernacular style of architecture is unique in all the world.  It is characterized by thatched roofs and thick lime washed white walls.  Typically, “letter of the alphabet” floor plans were used; predominantly H, L, T, and U.  The thatched roofs dictated a span for the wings of houses of between five and six meters.  In most cases, particularly in rural areas, houses were single storey with a usable loft in the roof void.  Beautifully proportioned gables are a characteristic of the style.  To this day numerous finely restored examples of the Cape Dutch style are to be found in the beautifully restored historical center of Stellenbosch and all over in the surrounding winelands.  

The predominance of the Cape Dutch style of architecture set in a magnificent and spectacularly beautiful landscape of dramatic mountains, lush green vineyards, and beautiful old oak trees give the Cape Winelands its unique character, which defines the “spirit of the place”.  Hundreds of thousands of tourists are attracted to the region annually.  

Within this context, the architecture of Claude Behrmann complies with the principles of “Critical Regionalism”, the aim of which is to provide urban design and architecture which while being true to its time, is more importantly also true to its place, thereby enhancing the beauty and retaining the unique character of one of the world’s most beautiful regions. 

Read Designed with Integrity to see how these principles were applied to a recently designed home in Franschhoek South Africa.

Watercolor painting illustrating traditional Cape Dutch Architecture Found on Dorp Street, Stellenbosch South Africa. Painted by Claude Behrmann

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The old Rhenish Pastorie located on Market Street, Stellenbosch.