rondavel

plural rondavels

1. South AfricaA traditional circular design of house, typically with a conical roof, commonly thatched. Still used in rural regions, but also popular as a theme in the ambience of resorts, either as chalets or as cheap utility buildings.

   For instance those households which only have a single dwelling unit may use it as a kitchen, living room and sleeping room whether it be a hut, a rondavel or a house.

   1963, Basutoland. Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural implements and storage facilities

   1 more example

   The buildings consisted of two iingxande (or rectangular houses) and seven stately rondavels (superior huts), all washed in white lime, dazzling even in the light of the setting sun.

   1994, Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela, London: Abacus, published 2010, page 18