Collection by David Woodruff
The interior of each shipping container is clad almost entirely in birch ply, which imbues the interiors with a light, natural feeling that complements the surrounding landscape.
The interior of each shipping container is clad almost entirely in birch ply, which imbues the interiors with a light, natural feeling that complements the surrounding landscape.
The kitchen is defined by a black “box” made from Mica board that contrasts with the birch plywood cladding used elsewhere throughout the interior. “We couldn’t put a wall in so we defined it with texture,” explains architect Leon van der Westhuizen. “It was intentionally kept really simple and honest.”
The kitchen is defined by a black “box” made from Mica board that contrasts with the birch plywood cladding used elsewhere throughout the interior. “We couldn’t put a wall in so we defined it with texture,” explains architect Leon van der Westhuizen. “It was intentionally kept really simple and honest.”
Adequate insulation was key in maintaining comfort. Off-the-shelf products were used to fully insulate the shipping containers, and a high-quality, double glazing system was imported from Europe. These doors slide open to create a seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces.
Adequate insulation was key in maintaining comfort. Off-the-shelf products were used to fully insulate the shipping containers, and a high-quality, double glazing system was imported from Europe. These doors slide open to create a seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces.
The designer furniture—much of which is by local South African makers and brands—elevates the cozy retreat, and offers an element of surprising contrast to the rugged landscape and remote site. It was also essential that anything transported to site was of high enough quality to stand the test of time, as transporting replacements would be logistically challenging.
The designer furniture—much of which is by local South African makers and brands—elevates the cozy retreat, and offers an element of surprising contrast to the rugged landscape and remote site. It was also essential that anything transported to site was of high enough quality to stand the test of time, as transporting replacements would be logistically challenging.
The compact weekend retreat has been designed to withstand the elements and for longevity—an approach that resulted in an overall cost of more than $300K. “We had to overengineer some elements as it’s such a remote location that repairs and replacements would be difficult,” says architect Leon van der Westhuizen. “In the end, that all added up.”
The compact weekend retreat has been designed to withstand the elements and for longevity—an approach that resulted in an overall cost of more than $300K. “We had to overengineer some elements as it’s such a remote location that repairs and replacements would be difficult,” says architect Leon van der Westhuizen. “In the end, that all added up.”
It was essential that the prefabricated modules and the attached elements—such as the exterior stairs and “bridges” that connect the decks—was easy to assemble at the remote site. To avoid issues, Anthrop Architects created a mock up of 80% of the hide out before shipping.
It was essential that the prefabricated modules and the attached elements—such as the exterior stairs and “bridges” that connect the decks—was easy to assemble at the remote site. To avoid issues, Anthrop Architects created a mock up of 80% of the hide out before shipping.
Three of the four decks—the two bedroom modules and the front of the living room module—open up almost entirely to a staggered deck that is cantilevered over a rocky ledge, immersing the inhabitants in the vast landscape. A substantial “bridge” system of stairs and walkways connects the three timber decks.
Three of the four decks—the two bedroom modules and the front of the living room module—open up almost entirely to a staggered deck that is cantilevered over a rocky ledge, immersing the inhabitants in the vast landscape. A substantial “bridge” system of stairs and walkways connects the three timber decks.
The four containers are also the same brand, which was an important consideration as each brand has slightly different dimensions, and the highly detailed design of the hide-out necessitated precision.
The four containers are also the same brand, which was an important consideration as each brand has slightly different dimensions, and the highly detailed design of the hide-out necessitated precision.
The remote site is only accessible via a 4x4 vehicle, and doesn’t have mobile phone reception—which made construction challenging as any queries needed to be relayed to the architects using a satellite phone for emergencies or by driving to the nearest point with reception. “It was a real mission,” says architect Leon vad der Westhuizen. “We had to plan everything meticulously and the construction team relied heavily on our CAD data and the building information we shared.”
The remote site is only accessible via a 4x4 vehicle, and doesn’t have mobile phone reception—which made construction challenging as any queries needed to be relayed to the architects using a satellite phone for emergencies or by driving to the nearest point with reception. “It was a real mission,” says architect Leon vad der Westhuizen. “We had to plan everything meticulously and the construction team relied heavily on our CAD data and the building information we shared.”
Floor plan for The Hide Out by Anthrop Abbott Architects
Floor plan for The Hide Out by Anthrop Abbott Architects
The decks and pergolas are attached to the shipping containers and were folded around the modules during transport—an approached that informed the way the modules look. “It’s kind of like the moon landing,” says architect Leon van der Westhuizen. “There’s all the mechanics of actually getting the capsule up there and that drives the aesthetics. A lot of engineering went into that and there were a lot of intricacies.”
The decks and pergolas are attached to the shipping containers and were folded around the modules during transport—an approached that informed the way the modules look. “It’s kind of like the moon landing,” says architect Leon van der Westhuizen. “There’s all the mechanics of actually getting the capsule up there and that drives the aesthetics. A lot of engineering went into that and there were a lot of intricacies.”
The salmon-tinted kitchen, starring a cinematic window, was transplanted from the family's old Ankara residence.
The salmon-tinted kitchen, starring a cinematic window, was transplanted from the family's old Ankara residence.
A spacious and calming retreat awaits in the primary suite, complete with vaulted ceilings, custom built-ins, and a massive stone fireplace.
A spacious and calming retreat awaits in the primary suite, complete with vaulted ceilings, custom built-ins, and a massive stone fireplace.

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