Across South Africa — but especially in the Western Cape — rural areas are increasingly seen as growth points with regional tourism highlighting how heritage strengthens the identity of small towns, such as the new Voyager boutique hotel in Piketberg. Building on this, attention now turns to the wave of residential projects emerging in rural areas, particularly along the West Coast, and how they can be designed to create vibrant, sustainable communities.
A notable trend is the proliferation of gated residential estates. While these developments meet certain market demands, they often present a limited housing mix, with repetitive designs and few on-site amenities such as shops, restaurants, or recreation. Many are narrowly branded to appeal to a single income group, which can create static communities vulnerable to shifting markets. By contrast, introducing a range of housing types within one development encourages adaptability and enables residents to upsize or downscale within the same neighbourhood, maintaining social ties and continuity.
According to Don Albert of Sound Space Design, successful rural development requires masterplanning that allows for flexibility. His approach promotes a central, well-defined core within each “new town” or development. This centre provides identity and imageability, while surrounding areas expand incrementally in response to evolving needs.
Integrating natural landscapes into the design is also critical. Such centres act as the “social glue,” offering walkable, mixed-use environments through adaptive reuse of heritage buildings or new structures, all with a strong focus on pedestrian-friendly design.
While rural living is often associated with open space rather than density, Albert notes that density need not equate to high-rise buildings. It is instead about careful distribution. For older residents unable to drive, or young families with limited transport, collective living near amenities can greatly improve quality of life. In addition, South Africa’s housing affordability crisis demands innovative solutions, including well-executed multifamily developments.
Albert and his team draw on extensive international experience, from Sydney’s competitive residential market to more recent projects in Portugal. These insights now inform strategies in South Africa, where balancing diversity, affordability, and community cohesion is vital to shaping rural growth.
For more information visit www.soundspacedesign.com