Ben-Johann du Toit of Boschendal hands over the prize to Lauren Smith of Cavalli. Photograph courtesy of the restaurant.

Equus Dine at Cavalli took home the Boschendal Style Award at the 2014 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards. Located on an equestrian estate outside Stellenbosch that’s known for its phenomenal, largely indigenous gardens, it’s perhaps no surprise that the building’s design speaks to nature.

The restaurant was the first in the industry to apply for certification under the Green Star South African rating system for environmentally friendly structures. Designed and developed by Lauren Smith in collaboration with Bouwer Architects, the restaurant makes use of stone, steel, glass, timber, copper and tan leather to create a warm, but contemporary interior. A green feature wall at the entrance, custom-made local furniture and original commissioned artworks by the likes of Egon Tania, Lyndi Sales and Australian Archibald award recipient Michael Zavros finish off the picture.

View the full list of 20 nominees for the 2014 Boschendal Style Award, and other finalists.