15Apr 2025 by wynand
The Cabin That Shouldn’t Have Been

The Cabin That Shouldn’t Have Been

Design, Sustainability
A true eco cabin in the Western CapeThere are many eco cabins in the Western Cape that claim the title, often because they’re simply off-grid. But true eco-building is about more than solar panels and septic tanks—it’s about design, sustainability, and harmony with nature. Skaam Cabin was created as a completely unique structure using repurposed and recycled materials, blending seamlessly into the mountain landscape.For ten years, I studied eco-building techniques, collecting ideas while searching for the perfect site—wild enough to feel like a retreat into nature, yet still within reach of Cape Town. I envisioned an off-grid sanctuary: maybe an underground home, a passive house, or something with a green roof. The site would determine the build.I finally found the perfect stand while mountain biking my favorite pass—Bainskloof. It was…
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05Dec 2024 by wynand
That Is a Weird Name for a Cabin, Isn’t It?

That Is a Weird Name for a Cabin, Isn’t It?

Design, Fantasy Room, Skaam cabin, Sustainability
Why such an unusual name? Skaam is the Afrikaans word for “shy” (adjective: shy, embarrassed, bashful; noun: remorse, sense of shame). At first glance, this may seem like a negative or modest choice, but once you understand the cabin’s essence—its location, flora, design, and unique amenities—you’ll agree there’s no better name for this extraordinary getaway.A Natural Marvel in the Limietberg Mountain RangeSkaam Cabin is situated in the Limietberg Mountain Range, nestled in the heart of the Western Cape, South Africa. This breathtaking natural treasure forms part of the Cape Floristic Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its incredible biodiversity and status as the world's largest floral kingdom. With over 9,000 plant species, many of which are endemic, this region is a paradise for nature lovers and botanists alike.What…
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04Dec 2024 by wynand
Skaam Cabin, A Masterpiece in Sustainable Design

Skaam Cabin, A Masterpiece in Sustainable Design

Design, Skaam cabin, Sustainability
The Story Behind Skaam Cabin’s Unique Design Skaam Cabin is not just another prefab or golf estate house casually placed in the middle of nature. The architectural style of Skaam Cabin is rooted in "biophilic design" or "sustainable architecture," emphasizing harmony with the environment and prioritizing sustainability. This approach involves the use of recycled, repurposed, and locally sourced materials to reduce the environmental footprint. Here’s how these principles are reflected in the cabin’s design: Earth Architecture: This approach includes the use of natural, recycled, or locally sourced materials such as mud, clay, stone, and reclaimed wood. Earth architecture seeks to integrate structures seamlessly into their natural surroundings, using materials that minimize environmental impact. Minimalist or Eco-modern Design: While the aesthetics are modern, eco-modern design focuses on using sustainable materials like…
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