The site is located near the famous Nottingham Road in the rolling hills of KwaZulu Natal. The owners- a local couple now living abroad, and who visit South Africa only during the summer months- wanted a small cottage, allowing for informal living with a strong connection to nature. The bedroom and kitchen, enveloped in solid boxes, provide a sense of grounding and retreat, while the living areas, airy and open to the surroundings, allow for ample ventilation throughout the humid summer months. The communal area, with its central hearth, spills out towards the distant Drakensberg peaks to the North while the dining area embraces the views of a nearby stream to the South. The architectural character was informed by the client’s deep desire for connection to the natural surroundings. Geometric shapes stand in contrast to the organic lines of the undulating hills in the landscape, highlighting the relationship between the man made and the natural surroundings.