Cape Dutch architecture is anarchitectural style primarily found in theWestern Cape of South Africa, though modern adaptations have been constructed in regions such as Western Australia and New Zealand, typically on wine estates. The style emerged in the 17th century during the early years of theDutch Cape Colony, and is named after the Dutch settlers who played a significant role in its development. Influences on the style can be traced to medieval architectural traditions from the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Indonesia.[citation needed]
A notable feature of Cape Dutch buildings is the grand, ornately roundedclock gable, similar to those seen in Dutch townhouses inAmsterdam, the Netherlands, built in theDutch style. However, this is not a defining feature of the style, as some Cape Dutch buildings, such as theUitkyk manor house inStellenbosch, South Africa, do not have gables but are still considered part of the style.
In the late 18th century, a variation of Cape Dutch architecture influenced byGeorgian neoclassicism became popular. However, only three houses built in this style remain.[1] The typical floor plan of Cape Dutch buildings follows an H-shape, with a central front section flanked by two perpendicular wings.
Cape Dutch architecture is characterized by several defining elements, including:
Many original Cape Dutch buildings inCape Town were demolished due to urban development, particularly during the 1960s when high-rise buildings were constructed in theCity Bowl. However, the style remains well-preserved in historical towns and wine estates along South Africa’sCape Winelands, includingStellenbosch,Paarl,Swellendam,Franschhoek,Tulbagh, andGraaff-Reinet.
Gables are a particularly notable element of Cape Dutch architecture. Earlier research compared their decorative forms to those of Amsterdam, though by the second half of the 18th century, gable construction had declined in Amsterdam itself. Instead, architectural similarities have been drawn between South African gables and those found along theZaan River in the Netherlands, where the tradition remained strong at the time of Dutch settlement of the Cape by theDutch United East India Company (VOC).[2]
By the mid-19th century, Cape Dutch architecture had largely fallen out of favor, and many of its buildings deteriorated. A revival of the style was initiated in 1893 whenCecil John Rhodes purchasedGroote Schuur (lit. 'big barn') and commissioned architectSir Herbert Baker to redesign the manor house. Baker sought to develop a Cape vernacular architectural style, drawing inspiration from existing Cape Dutch structures. However, his design ultimately reflected anEnglish country house with Cape Dutch gables rather than a purely Cape Dutch building. This work contributed to the emergence of theCape Dutch Revival style.[3]
In 1902, following the British victory in theAnglo–Boer War, Baker moved toJohannesburg, where he introduced the Cape Dutch Revival style to theWitwatersrand, particularly in homes commissioned by wealthy mining magnates known asRandlords. After the establishment of theUnion of South Africa in 1910, the Cape Dutch Revival style gained popularity as a national architectural style. Unlike the original Cape Dutch buildings, the revivalist version was primarily characterized by its elaborate gables.
