A retired Dutch couple bought a piece of unspoiled nature in a protected area of the Maluti Mountains of the Eastern Free State. ‘Touching the Earth Lightly’ required a light weight steel frame structure without any heavy concrete or brick and mortar structures. The mono pitch roof opens up to maximise the northern light and landscape views whilst collecting rainwater. Greywater is and purified through a bio-filer and collected again in a catchment pond for landscaping purposes. Drinking water is collected from nearby Spring. ‘Off-the-grid’ is completed through solar panels tucked out of sight. Sandstone harvested from an old cattle kraal adds tectonic and textured elements and contextual references. Internally, locally sourced timber adds a natural and warm floor finish. A no-maintenance and very cost effective walling system of a modular external fibre-cement panels system, with high density eco-friendly thermal insulation and plasterboard cladding was designed. This allowed for a lightweight, recyclable home with high thermal efficiency which is best suited for the extremely cold winter periods.