The Cabin That Shouldn’t Have Been
A true eco cabin in the Western Cape There 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…
