The Karoo is a vast semi-desert region stretching across South Africa, defined by its rolling mountains, expansive plains, and dramatic climatic conditions. On a remote rocky outcrop in this breathtaking landscape sits a striking weekend getaway crafted from four shipping containers. Designed by Antrhop Abbott Architects, the off-grid weekender, which is only accessible via a 4x4 vehicle, features designer furniture, bespoke detailing, and a deck that cantilevers out from the clifftop—an ambitious exercise that cost over $300K.

$31,584 Structural Work (inc. framing, envelope, siding & insulation)	$26,880 Wall Finishes	$3,640 Flooring
$840 Roofing	$10,080 Hardware	$36,400 Electrical
$14,000 Plumbing	$2,800 Kitchen & Bath Fixtures	$1,960 Lighting
$3,248 Appliances	$39,760 Glazing	$1,960 Metalwork
$37,800 Furnishings & Decor	$37,520 General Contractor Fee	$39,760 Architect Fee
$9,520 Fold-Out Decks	$8,960 Fold-Out Pergolas
Grand Total: $306,712

“For the client it was always about quality and longevity, and it was quite an expensive exercise,” says architect Leon van der Westhuizen, who co-founded Anthrop Abbott Architects with Roald Meyer. “It wasn’t about spending silly money but there were no compromises. It was about quality, practicality, and finding the best solutions—and as there are no companies specializing in this kind of construction, almost everything is custom designed and made. There is no off-the-shelf solution.”

Despite the expense of creating and transporting the bespoke modules, the uitkyk (Afrikaans for “hide-out”) was still more cost-effective to build than using conventional construction techniques in such a remote location. It’s also a study in how clever design can elevate the humble shipping container, with a highly engineered, impressively detailed exterior wrapping an interior that celebrates local craft and honest materiality.

“You have this crazy view, but there’s a sense of slickness and everything is very highly detailed,” says van der Westhuizen. “It’s one extreme to the other and is completely unexpected. Nothing really prepares you for the contrast between the architecture and the landscape.”

Anthrop Abbott Architects has experience using shipping containers in several other projects with great success, and from the outset knew that they were the right solution for the uitkyk. Prefabricating the modules almost entirely off-site meant that work at the remote site was kept to a minimum, and the team spent just eight weeks in total on the install.

“Obviously, in a landscape like that you don’t want to put down something permanent or go in there with bulldozers,” says van der Westhuizen. “We wanted to place something lightly on the landscape, and from these initial conversations very early on, it was clear that it would have to be something prefabricated because it is a very difficult site to get to.”

Anthrop Abbott Architects also cleverly designed the modules to match the original dimensions of the containers as closely as possible—including decks and pergolas that folded around the units during transport—to avoid the need for expensive specialized transport.

“It doesn’t make sense to use a container outside of its existing dimensional properties,” explains van der Westhuizen. “It’s a mistake a lot of people make. They attempt to use a container as it’s a bit of a trend, but then rip it apart to the point where it’s not a container any more.”

Once the four modules reached the site, they were installed on a flat rock bed with minimal concrete foundations. As a result, the landscape hasn’t been damaged and the units could theoretically be disassembled and moved if needed. The main benefit, however, was being able to build quickly on a relatively inaccessible site—a feat that would be almost impossible with conventional construction. “It takes a hell of a lot of pre-planning but it’s worth it,” says van der Westhuizen.

The four shipping containers have been arranged to take full advantage of the breathtaking views, and can easily accommodate two couples; The living and outdoor spaces have been designed to comfortably host six people, offering the opportunity for additional guests. Two containers in the middle form a living area with a kitchen, and are flanked by the two bedroom units, all of which open out to a staggered deck.

“There’s this perceived idea that container buildings are an easy way out,” says van der Westhuizen. “But they aren’t as easy to work with as a lot of people think. In this case, however, they were the right design tool. When we finally walked into the finished home, it just blew me away—everything worked exactly as we planned.”

More Budget Breakdowns:

He Remixed His Janky Shed Into a Design Studio for $6K

This Completely Restored $500K Airstream Is Built Like a Yacht

Project Credits:

Architect: Anthrop Abbott Architects

Shipping Containers: Big Box SA

Kitchen: Dokter and Misses

Photographer: Anthrop Abbott Architects