Framing a view

By Gina Hartoog, Project Consultant Lara Gordon, Photographer Malitza De Kock

Shakkei is a traditional Japanese principle that means ‘borrowed landscape’ and refers to the practice of intentionally framing and incorporating the surrounding environment into a building.

Combining the exterior world with the interior experience is exactly what the owners sought for the design of their new Cape Town residence. “Throughout the home, we used shakkei to create a sense of immersive connection with the mountains and sky,” explains the home owner. “A two-metre round window captures a perfectly framed portrait of Devil’s Peak, and in the main bedroom, the entire profile of Lion’s Head fills the view in perfect alignment.”

To see more of this beautiful home, buy the February ’26 issue of SA Home Owner – on shelf now.