Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa – A National Monument
Previously known as Swiss Farm Excelsior, Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa carries a rich legacy. A favourite retreat for generations, it was a place where families and friends gathered to connect and unwind. Picture lush gardens, sprawling lawns, tennis and bowls courts, large swimming pools, and a charming restaurant and bar serving retro 60s cocktails. This Swiss-inspired farm in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, was a must-visit destination – for just R2.50 per night!
In the 1960s and 70s, trains connected travellers to Franschhoek. Families boarded for weekend escapes, students from Stellenbosch gathered for their beloved “tea and cake” traditions, and business professionals found it the perfect setting for productive meetings amidst the serene surroundings.
Reviving a Classic
When it was time to restore and reimagine this iconic property, JNA Thatchers was entrusted with its transformation. The journey began with a meeting between the property owner and our technical director to explore possibilities for replacing the aging, dilapidated tiled roof. The owner envisioned an expansion of 1000 square meters, seeking a solution that combined practicality with a design that would honour the heritage of the Franschhoek Valley.
During this discussion, our technical director had a moment of inspiration: a grand, striking thatched roof that would seamlessly tie the property to the surrounding landscape’s rich tradition of thatched architecture.
Crafting a roof of this scale required both ingenuity and precision. Our lead engineer proposed a pioneering approach, combining robust A-frame steel structures with locally sourced Clear Treated South African pine poles. This innovative blend of materials provided the strength to support the substantial weight of the thatch while preserving the timeless elegance of a modern timber framework.
The steel portals, discreetly concealed within the structure, harmonised strength with sophistication, elevating the property to new heights of architectural excellence. The result is a masterpiece — one that honours the property’s historic charm and redefines it as a landmark of grandeur and innovation.
Integrating Timber with Concrete and Steel
While timber offers clear sustainability benefits, there’s still a place for concrete and steel in modern architecture. The emerging trend in Europe is a hybrid approach that integrates timber with concrete and steel. For example, a concrete base and steel brackets can be used in combination with timber for a structure that balances strength, sustainability, and reduced environmental footprint. This composite model allows architects to reduce the use of concrete and steel, resulting in a smaller ecological impact without compromising structural integrity.
Sustainable Timber Supply in South Africa
South Africa’s commercial forests in the Garden Route section of the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo provide a sustainable source of pine and eucalyptus for timber construction. These forests can support the growing demand for eco-friendly building materials, offering architects and developers a local, renewable option for their projects.
Timber-framed rooftop gardens are more than an architectural choice—they represent a future-focused approach that integrates nature into urban environments while enhancing energy efficiency and well-being. By selecting timber for these projects, JNA Group is crafting structures that contribute positively to the environment, create vibrant urban spaces, and push the boundaries of sustainable design.
A Modern Retreat with Historic Roots
Today, Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa offers 79 luxurious rooms, which include deluxe suites and villas. The hotel blends modern elegance with a nod to its storied past. JNA Thatchers is proud to have played a pivotal role in transforming this iconic 20th-century landmark into a modern 21st-century retreat.
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