EST 2012
Nieuwewerf
5 Star Self-Catering Accommodation
History
Nieuwewerf (“new yard”) comprises three separate fully self-contained luxury Karoo-style guesthouses in Prince Albert: Nieuwehuyz (“new home”), Nieuwerust (“new rest”) and Nieuweschuur (“new barn”).
The first cottage, Nieuwehuyz, was completed in 2012. After its success, Nieuwerust was constructed in 2017 for longer family visits. Nieuweschuur was completed in 2022—ideal for a single person or couple wanting a loft experience with exquisite views of the Swartberg Mountains.
The story behind the design
The celebrated “brakdak” architecture, characteristic of the town and Karoo, was interpreted in a modern way to enhance the boutique tourist experience while responding to the harsh semi-desert climate using traditional design principles. Sun-baked mud bricks were substituted with thick clay brick cavity walls, retaining the old rough-cast plaster finish to minimise glare. White powder-coated clip-lok roof sheeting, 150mm thick glass fibre roof insulation blankets, and skimmed ceiling boards reproduce the effective clay “brakdak” insulation qualities. The slick aluminium sash windows and shutters allow effective climate control.
Additional sustainable technologies concealed in the design include a dual photo-voltaic solar | grid-power electrical system. The water-harvesting capacity is ideally calculated for an annual rainfall of less than 200mm and used for the drought-tolerant garden.
While similar in proportion, the parapets were used to distinguish the cottages. The characteristic symmetrical façade with central entrance door dictated the contemporary open-plan layouts. Joinery was largely avoided by casting shelves and counters as extensions to the thick exterior walls.
The perimeter walls create private and secure interior courtyards which extend the entertainment areas. Water features were introduced for the evaporative cooling effect. To the architect’s alarm, the client insisted on a tongue-in-cheek play on kitsch. After countless positive reviews, that leaves a lot to be said on the matter.
The Nieuwewerf Way
Nieuwewerf incorporates universal accessible and green architectural elements in the design. Being wheelchair bound, the master builder of the cottages contributed to the design—including accessible levels with space under worktops, environmental control levels, roll-in showers with required door handles and grab rails.
Park your vehicle and enjoy Prince Albert on foot. Your only concern is to pace yourself—have a light breakfast or brunch at one spot, proceed to the next for coffee and cake, then enjoy a refreshing drink or two on the patio of the Swartberg Hotel. Treat yourself to dinner at any of our fine restaurants and eateries.
Nieuwewerf was specifically designed to accommodate families, couples or single guests in need of an exclusive retreat wanting to unwind in a very private setting—a home away from home in the true sense of the word. Live in the moment and thoroughly enjoy everything Nieuwewerf and Prince Albert has to offer: mountain biking, walking, fresh air, stargazing.
