Bones & Kuni

Perched on the banks of a dry riverbed beneath a canopy of ancient boerbean trees, this home demanded design restraint and precision craftsmanship.

From the outset, this home was about place—respecting it, responding to it, and building in harmony with it. The site, nestled into a high bank within the Leadwood Big Game Estate, offered panoramic views over a dry riverbed frequented by wildlife. But it also posed unique engineering challenges: careful foundation work was needed to ensure stability without disturbing the surrounding trees and soil.

The clients wanted a space that blended the comfort of a modern home with the charm of a traditional bush lodge. Our solution was a modern take on a thatched-roof design, tailored to both the South African climate and its natural setting. Clean, open-plan interiors flow seamlessly into shaded decks, while locally sourced materials lend warmth and authenticity.

This was a full turnkey project—from conceptual design through to final finishes. The high-pitched thatch roof allows for ventilation and dramatic volume, while the use of stone, timber, and glass creates an honest, unpretentious aesthetic.

Every decision, from the orientation of the bedrooms to the selection of native landscaping, was made with intention and sensitivity to the site.

This build is a true reflection of its owners—a sanctuary rooted in simplicity, calm, and nature. It's a space designed to exhale in, to watch the seasons shift, and to feel immersed in the rhythms of the bush.