They say that no two persons fingerprints are alike, not even that of identical twins. The elephant in the rooms is that we all have fingerprints. As people try to forge identities for themselves in a world where it is so hard to stand out, perhaps it is time to look to architecture to learn how to make an impression without entirely breaking the mold.
To me as an architect, a Cape Dutch House represents what it is to have some conformity without losing individuality, and to have identity without being a cut and paste cookie cut straight out of the mold. I present here two examples of Cape Dutch style manor homes (Images courtesy of ARCHITECTCAPETOWN).
Certain features are always present, the curvilinear gable, the thatch roofs, sliding sash windows, and white walls.
However the matter of detailing on the actual gable is so different. The house at Rustenberg has a stark front with a protruding middle section. (See architectcapedutch for more detail about the house). The house at Moregenster has a frilly gable with plenty of decorations, and the main line on the gable is horizontal instead of vertical. For those with intelligent eyes the two present themselves completely differently. (More photos of the home can be found at architectcapetown).