My project, ||îBA (Khoekoen for “Willow Tree” – pronounced || [lateral click] – ee – ba), is based in Rooihoek, Baviaanskloof (Dutch for “Valley of the Baboons”), a site that is both historically and geologically rich. The landscape is defined by iron-oxide within the sand, which causes the ground to glow a deep red at sunrise and sunset, giving the area its name, “Rooihoek” (Afrikaans for “Red Corner”). My design concept developed through an exploration of the site’s unique natural characteristics, particularly its flora and fauna, where I asked myself what makes this place distinct. From this investigation, the willow tree emerged as my key source of inspiration, informing both the spatial and structural qualities of the eco-pod.

I was influenced by the willow tree in three primary ways. Firstly, its drooping, dome-like form informed the overall shape of my design, creating a high, enveloping ceiling that enhances the sense of space within the pod. Secondly, I introduced a rising and falling boardwalk inspired by the way willow roots surface and bulge above the ground, translating this natural rhythm into the user’s movement through the space. Thirdly, the structure was designed as a series of grounded elements, with the pod elevated on four posts that connect through branching components, mimicking the rooted and expansive growth pattern of the tree. Together, these elements allowed me to create a design that is both visually and conceptually informed by the willow, resulting in a structure that responds directly to its natural context.