A CONTEMPORARY SOUTH AFRICAN HOME WITH SPECTULAR 360° VIEWS

International architecture firm SAOTA designs an impressive residence outside of Cape Town

Perched on the slopes of Cape Town’s iconic Lion’s Head mountain, this four-storey contemporary home by SAOTA was literally built for the views. The steep site was ideal, framed by the mountain from behind and facing uninterrupted views of the Atlantic seaboard – a striking panorama that includes Robben Island, Campus Bay and the Twelve Apostles. SAOTA designed the home accordingly, reducing walls, columns and even mullions wherever possible.

Externally, the uppermost storeys appear as great concrete monoliths that seem to hover above the receded glazing below. This layout is strategic as it frames the views while ensuring the privacy of the inhabitants. The family’s bedrooms were placed in the protected topmost level for complete privacy, while the principal living space occupies the levels below.

Much of the home resembles a gallery space with high ceilings, extensive glass and cool concrete. A double-height garage serves as the principal entry point. From here, the inhabitants can take the glass elevator or timber stairs to reach the rest of the home. The kitchen is the “heart” of the home and bordered by the dining room and high-ceilinged summer lounge as well as the cosier winter lounge with its central fireplace.

A central courtyard transects the main living areas. The courtyard has a water feature and a sculptural Cor-Ten screen suspended above that also offers privacy for the bedroom.

As for materials, a blend of pre-cast ribbed concrete and custom white concrete contributes to home’s immovable character while maintaining a sense of continuity throughout. Polished concrete floors in the main living space and the exterior terrace help to further blend interior and exterior. The concrete is complemented by oak joinery, another solid, natural material which also composes the bedroom floors. SAOTA’s senior associate architect Tamaryn Fourie explained, “There’s a wonderful continuity between internal and external living – it’s a house for all seasons and plays off the mood of the climate and surrounding landscape.”