EARTHBOX: Exploring the depths of Cape Town's first underground event space
Tucked away in the mountains of Somerset West lies EARTHBOX – an innovative neolithic installation that combines artistry, ancient geology, and engineering to create a dynamic event space. Located a scenic shuttle journey inland from the lush Lourensford Wine Estate, the venue sits five metres below surface level, offering guests a uniquely intimate space to connect with themselves, each other, and the earth.
EARTHBOX’s raw clay walls and floors draw visitors into a close relationship with the subterranean environment. Its organic textures, sweet, earthy scent, and deep stillness all contribute to a place that feels simultaneously ancient and modern.
We attended EARTHBOX’s first Sunday Sessions event to experience this underground installation first-hand. Launching the event series was award-winning vocalist and performance artist Zimbini Makwetu, who rocked the inside of this underground chamber with prayerful, powerful soundscapes and a stage presence as solid as the earth around her.
With panoramic mountain views, shady trees, and a well-positioned gin and tonic station, the light and airy external component of EARTHBOX makes the entrance into its cavernous depths even more delightful to the senses. Upon entering, the dimly lit chamber becomes a haven of warm ochre hues and deep, womb-like stillness, creating an environment in which one can’t help but feel fully present.
The contemporary engineering techniques used to create this unique structure, coupled with the geological history of the land it has been built on, leave you with a sense of awe. There is an atmosphere of duality within the chamber’s cool, clay-covered walls that makes it an ideal space for experiencing different mediums of art and performance, which is exactly what the creative minds at EARTHBOX are currently doing.
Throughout 2024, EARTHBOX is set to host several exclusive events, including fine dining experiences, early morning yoga and pilates sessions, guided meditations and musical weekly Sunday Sessions.
EARTHBOX Instagram and Website
Words by Eden King for Letterhead