Jan Schenk loves the outdoors. In his free time he runs with the Obs Running Club, surfs or goes on weekend trips to the Cederberg. It’s no wonder he fell in love with this Bo-Kaap house at the foot of Signal Hill in the Mother City, with its rooftop garden offering sweeping views of the city.

Thanks to its rich Malay heritage, Jan, a trained sociologist, feels right at home. To him, the Bo-Kaap presents a fascinating case study where he can relish the rich history, cultural diversity and contrasts of this cobble-stoned neighbourhood.

When Jan started looking for a place of his own, he stumbled upon this intriguing property. It was built from scratch in 2011 by an eco-architect and the fact that the house honours green principles throughout made it even more attractive.

Jan says, ‘I’d looked at quite a few properties already, but they were all rather generic. This home’s clever layout and eco-elements are what set it apart.’ Now, Jan proudly calls this his home, with his office conveniently located next door.

From the road, the house is a neat double storey in keeping with its surroundings but upon entering the 120m2 space, the house takes on a life of its own. The layout makes use of every nook and cranny, and the finishes are environmentally conscious throughout.

Jan says, ‘The open-plan layout lends itself to a simple and uncluttered aesthetic, while the central courtyard calls for a Moroccan influence and the cowhides and rustic bar stools add a touch of country.’

Flip through the gallery below to see this home with a conscious.

Words: Simone Borcherding, Home magazine
Images: Francois Oberholster