Offering clean, contemporary interiors, this brilliantly designed home by SAOTA architects is located in the wind-protected suburb of Clifton in Cape Town, South Africa. Access to this home is provided by a winding road that makes its way along the western slopes of Lion’s Head. Prior to development of this beautiful landscape, the slope was covered by indigenous forest and fynbos. Today, the region is developed and showcases breathtaking views over sandy beaches, rocky outcrops and the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range towards the south and sunsets views over the Atlantic Ocean.
The first step of this contemporary project entailed addressing the steep slope of the property, which had to be excavated to accommodate the structure. The layout of this home was conceived as a series of staggered blocks, rising alongside the mountain. This design allowed for the upper, private levels to be sheltered from both visibility and street-level noise. “The conceptual approach to the design was to reinstate the qualities of a natural landscape,” states lead architect Phillippe Fouché of SAOTA.
Project Team: Architects: SAOTA / Engineers: JG Afrika, De Villiers & Moore / Quantity Surveyor: SBDS / Contractor: Cape Island Construction (CIC) / Interior Designers: Cecile & Boyd / Lighting Consultant: Professional Illumination Design / Landscaping: Nicholas Whitehorn Landscape Design
A vertically slatted box cantilevers over the terrace, enabling forest bushwillow trees below to grow into this level. There are screens that can be opened or closed to adjust the amount of natural light that penetrates into the interior, feeling as though you are sitting in the shade of a large tree. The exterior facade was engineered from a durable yet lightweight aluminum, using a finish that mimics the different tones of bark — a durable solution to weathering Cape Town’s vagarious seasons.
The lower part of this structure is a self-contained apartment, expressed as “a heavy stone plinth’, its gabion-walled exterior and cocooning interior of dark-stained oak and off shutter concrete reflects the strata of the mountainside out of which they emerge,” states the architects. Above this is a transitional space, expressed as a green terrace and braai area (chiefly South African, meaning bbq area), representative of what would have been the landscape’s foliage level.
What We Love: This brilliantly designed contemporary home showcases luxurious living spaces and a stunning material palette. Stepped into the mountainside, this home is completely integrated with the landscape, while maximizing views at every turn. We are especially loving the infinity edge swimming pool, with its jaw-dropping views and feeling of floating over the landscape… Readers, what are your thoughts and impressions of the overall design of this home? Please tell us in the Comments!
Note: Have a look below for the “Related” tags for more inspiring home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign from the portfolio of SAOTA architects.
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The architects devised the main living level to be considerably set back, following the slope of the mountain. This resulted in increased privacy and sound attenuation, all while creating the perception that one is on a platform, connected to the surrounding views. A courtyard helps to visually extend this space towards the mountainside, allowing for ventilation, natural light and an opportunity of lush greenery.
The concrete ceiling of the main level is clad with rough-sawn wood planks, celebrating its raw texture. You can also see this same emphasis on natural materiality highlighted in the timber-clad scullery with hardwood flooring. The scullery in this space helps to form the base of a mezzanine-level private study. This level is accessed via a bridge, spanning the length of this room.
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Above: All levels of this dwelling are connected via a dramatic, sculptural timber staircase.
The uppermost level encompasses the master bedroom suite, which sits above the tree-tops. This brilliantly designed space features luxurious materials of white marble and pale timber, along with skylights that helps to create an open and airy feel. Walls of glass folds away to invite in unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean.
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Photos: Adam Letch
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