Nestled in the cliff-top estate “The Cove at Pezula Estate” outside Knysna, on the west coast of South Africa, this home was designed by SAOTA Architects. The residence was integrated into the topography and natural color of the fynbos, maintaining a seamless connection with landscape and ocean. The contemporary interiors of this incredible family home was designed by Antoni Associates, featuring sea views from large expanses of windows to the East and South.

The idea was to create a living space with a single roof element floating over it that responded to the slope of the site. The roof is set at a high level so that it is hidden from the living space, creating the illusion that one is surrounded by the landscape. A triangular cut-out in the roof connects one with the sky. A solar analysis was done to eliminate direct sun from the building. A skylight hangs into the space to mitigate the scale of the double volume. Care was taken in selecting performance-glass that would minimize the impact of direct sun.

The choice of materials, off-shutter concrete, Rheinzink roofing, timber cladding, stone and exposed aggregate, allows the building to fade into the landscape as the materials age. One enters at the upper level of the double volume, looking towards the ocean. A grand stair draws one onto the living level which holds the kitchen, dining room and living room.

A spiral stair connects the living level to a private lounge and the master bedroom on a mezzanine level. This spiral staircase drops through the floor to a lower level which houses a guest bedroom, home theatre and a living room. An L-shaped wing houses the two children’s bedrooms.

In-keeping with a sustainable design approach, a huge underground cistern was created under the garden terrace to harvest rainwater, while a heat pump and water-based under floor heating system conserve energy.

Photos: Micky Hoyle Courtesy of VISI