| Summary: | The rondavel has become synonymous with the settlements of the black people of South Africa but
has also become a characteristic building type of European (white) folk building in white vernacular
architecture. Although this building type was never considered a typical building type on farmsteads
and of farm architecture of the Boland, it has become such a common phenomenon that it can now be
considered part of white vernacular architecture. The occurrence and distribution of the rondavel in the
northern part of South Africa reflects its popularity over the last hundred years. The rondavel occurs in
six configurations: (1) as single isolated cone on cylinder structure, (2) as a conglomerate of separate
rondavels, (3) as several rondavels connected to each other with foyers and passages, (4) as an independent
annex to a larger rectangular dwelling unit, (5) as an addition built onto an existing rectangular
dwelling unit or (6) as a single dwelling unit with the characteristics of an elongated rondavel with two
of its sides parallel to each other (lozenge shape). The use and function of these buildings also varied
depending on the needs of the landowner, tenant, housewife or workers.
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