Inside the house of celebrated architects Gawie and Gwen Fagan, in Cape Town, South Africa | Gawie and Gwen Fagan | In Residence | NOWNESS | STIRworld — Inside the house of celebrated architects Gawie and Gwen Fagan, in Cape Town, South Africa Image: Courtesy of Nowness

Architecture 02 mins. read

In Residence: Gawie and Gwen Fagan

Inside the husband-and-wife architecture duo’s sprawling Cape Town home.

by NOWNESSPublished on : Feb 27, 2020

Gawie Fagan is known as one of South Africa’s most celebrated architects, while he and wife Gwen, who is also his creative partner, are known for their seamless integration of built structures into the surrounding natural environment.

For this installment of In Residence, director Gavin Elder, known for his extensive documentation of synth-pop legends Duran Duran, captures the couple in their labyrinthine Camps Bay pad. Known locally as Die Es (The Hearth), the building sits neatly in the hillside surround and boasts panoramic views of the sea from one side and mountains to the other.

Next up, In Residence: Ray Kappe

To see more episodes from the series In Residence, click here.

For more details, visit Nowness

Read on:

What do you think?

In Residence: Rose Uniacke

by NOWNESSApr 02, 2020

Architecture02 mins. read

In Residence: Kelly Wearstler

by NOWNESSMar 28, 2020

About Author

NOWNESS

A global video channel screening the best in culture. NOWNESS is a movement for creative excellence in storytelling, celebrating the extraordinary of every day. Launched in 2010, NOWNESS’ unique programming strategy has established it as the go-to source of inspiration and influence across art, design, fashion, beauty, music, food, and travel.

Thatch-topped structures in Sharjah Bridi Park ask if vernacular architecture travels

Architecture 05 mins. read

Thatch-topped structures in Sharjah Bridi Park ask if vernacular architecture travels

Oct 02, 2026

by Pia Bhatia Oct 02, 2026

Located in the Al Bridi Reserve in Sharjah, the project didactically projects its purpose of studying African ecosystems through local structures marked as ‘sculptural presences’.

QPAC’s new Glasshouse Theatre reflects the ripples of Queensland’s cultural aspirations

Architecture 06 mins. read

QPAC’s new Glasshouse Theatre reflects the ripples of Queensland’s cultural aspirations

Sep 30, 2026

by Pranjal Maheshwari Sep 30, 2026

The new cultural centre by Blight Rayner Architecture and Snøhetta envelopes world-class facilities in a sinuous glass facade, alluding to the theatrical rhythms of the performing arts.

The new Apple Music Hall cues a revival for live music in Battersea’s Art Deco brick shell

Architecture 05 mins. read

The new Apple Music Hall cues a revival for live music in Battersea’s Art Deco brick shell

Sep 29, 2026

by Pranjal Maheshwari Sep 29, 2026

The one-of-its-kind music centre in Apple’s six-storey Battersea Station space in London houses world-class facilities for live performance and worldwide broadcast.

In GAK House, a formgiving terrain shapes a discreet yet open architecture

Architecture 05 mins. read

In GAK House, a formgiving terrain shapes a discreet yet open architecture

Sep 25, 2026

by Pia Bhatia Sep 25, 2026

Brazilian firm Bernardes Arquitetura creates a residential space that is both concealed from and integrated within the natural environment that surrounds it.