Die Dam Huis project started in 2022 when we decided to buy a plot in the village of Nieu-Bethesda and, later on, to build a weekend getaway cottage. This plot had an old cement dam that was used to store water to irrigate the land years ago.
In early 2023, we decided to incorporate the dam to form part of the cottage. We then approached a local artist and architect from Nieu-Bethesda, Willem du Plessis, to design a place for us.
The project kicked off at the end of February 2023 and was completed in the middle of October that year.
The main structure was built by a local builder, Andrew Makwena. I did all the plumbing and electrical work, and the light fittings, kitchen cupboards, countertops, all the interior fittings and coal stove were designed, built and installed by me. My wife, Susan Swanepoel, was in charge of the décor and furniture.