ARRCC has reimagined this spectacular house called “Wave Villa,” nestled along Cape Town, South Africa’s Atlantic Seaboard, at the foot of Lion’s Head. Their new design retained the existing footprint but remodeled the envelope and the interior to create a flowing, open-plan arrangement connecting the gardens and terraces to panoramic ocean views. A new undulating cast in-situ concrete roof was added over the main living space, floating on a steel frame above high-level windows that wrap around all four sides.

The house has two main wings: the living and entertainment areas and the sleeping quarters. The top level has the most impressive sea views and includes the main living spaces: open-plan lounge and dining areas flowing out onto a terrace through floor-to-ceiling glass doors. The lower level accommodates three guest bedrooms, staff quarters, a gym, a study, a games room, and another lounge that opens seamlessly onto the pool terrace. The master bedroom occupies the upper level of the second wing.

1. What was the brief from the client?

The client requested an iconic roof with architectural prowess that would appear to float, resembling a veil, while spanning across the structure. The vision was for a grand pavilion atop a preserved lower level highlighting the main building, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings and accentuating views of the nearby mountains, including Lion’s Head. Maximizing natural light was a priority, as the client is an avid gardener. Key design elements included retaining the footprint of the
lower level, utilizing sculptural forms, and focusing on a harmonious connection to nature.

2. If you had to name the design style used, what would it be?

The design style could be described as contemporary organic modernism, where flowing forms and natural materials unify the structure with the landscape.

3. What were the inspirations and key concepts for the development of the project?

Inspired by the waves of the ocean and the nearby mountains, the design focuses on creating a home that feels connected to its environment. Key concepts include the integration of natural light, the use of a sculptural roof to bring in panoramic views, and an open-plan layout to allow seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.

4. Explain briefly: spatial configuration and main reasons. How was it accomplished?

The house is organized into two main wings: one dedicated to living and entertaining and the other to private sleeping quarters. The upper level features the main living areas, with expansive sea views and a terrace accessed through floor-to-ceiling glass doors. The lower level includes guest rooms, a gym, and additional recreational spaces that open to the pool terrace. This layout was designed to capitalize on natural light, offer unobstructed views, and foster a harmonious connection with the landscape.

5. What were the difficulties, or first setbacks encountered?

One of the primary challenges was the home’s exposure to intense sunlight. ARRCC addressed this by incorporating perforated metal screens on the façade. These sliding screens offer adjustable sun protection, filtering light in soft patterns that mirror the ocean’s reflections, enhancing both comfort and the home’s connection to its environment.

6. What were the construction techniques and the principal materials used in the project?

The design features a cast in-situ concrete roof on a steel frame, with high-level windows that wrap around the structure. A neutral palette of natural materials, including light oak paneling and Cape Granite, enhances the tactile quality of the interiors and complements the raw texture of the exposed concrete, creating a harmonious contrast.

7. Explain the use of colors and/or other details to add value to the design.

The interiors use a restrained palette to allow the surrounding views to take center stage. Light oak finishes provide warmth, while exposed concrete introduces an organic, gritty texture. Perforated metal screens create dappled patterns of light that mirror the play of ocean waves, tying the home’s aesthetic back to its coastal environment.

8. What is your favorite element of design in the project?

The sculptural roof design, which inspired the project name “WAVE VILLA,” is a standout feature. Its undulating form, inspired by the natural landscape, floats above the steel framework and draws in views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. The clerestory windows allow light to flow in, creating an airy, pavilion-like quality that makes
this roof is both an architectural statement and a functional element.

9. What do you think is the USP of this project?

The floating, wave-inspired roof design is the project’s unique selling point, symbolizing the home’s integration with the landscape and acting as a focal feature. This iconic form brings in natural light and sweeping views, fulfilling the client’s vision for a dynamic, nature-inspired pavilion while maintaining functional benefits, making it a landmark feature in modern architectural design.

10. In what ways does the home’s interior design enhance its architectural features?

The interior design enhances the architectural elements by merging indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing natural light to flood through high-level windows and illuminating the sculptural roof. The open-plan arrangement connects the living spaces with the garden and terraces, reinforcing the home’s relationship with its environment. Material choices, like light oak and exposed concrete, harmonize
with the architecture, balancing soft and gritty textures to accentuate the roof’s bold statement.

11. Can you highlight some of the standout furniture, lighting, and decor accessories selected for this project?

While the clients took charge of the decor, ARRCC guided selections that aligned with the architectural style, such as sculptural furniture with flowing forms that echo the curvature of the roof. Lighting choices are minimalist, including pendant lights that softly illuminate the space without detracting from the natural light. Perforated metal screens are a striking feature, casting intricate
shadows that emulate ocean dapples. Accessories like natural stone vases and wooden accents tie the neutral palette together, ensuring the views remain the main attraction.

12. Were there any particular requests or preferences from the homeowners regarding the home’s design?

The homeowners prioritized natural light to nurture their gardening passion and wanted the design to create a strong connection with the landscape. They specifically requested a dynamic roof to capture mountain and ocean views, making it the architectural highlight. They also wanted to retain the lower level’s footprint while transforming the upper level into an open, airy space that would maximize their engagement with the surrounding environment.

From the street, only a tantalizing glimpse of the sculptural form of the roof is visible beyond the entrance. This concrete shell’s curvaceous, billowing shape takes inspiration from the waves of the ocean and the mountains behind the house, but it also has a practical rationale.

Above: The entrance to the home on the top level, features materiality that will patina over time.

Above: A spiral “orange peel” staircase connects the living and bedroom wings whilst simultaneously creating a sculptural architectural element that incorporates a custom-designed light pendant that floats at different levels.

What We Love: Wave Villa was beautifully reimagined, preserving its original footprint while enhancing the design. The home offers a fabulous indoor-outdoor living experience, seamlessly connecting the interior to the gardens and the ocean. We love the unique design of the undulating concrete roof that floats above the main living area, helping to capture views of the breathtaking natural scenery. Overall, the design team did a fantastic job of re-envisioning this home to take advantage of its idyllic location.

Tell Us: What details do you find most inspiring in this remodel project? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of our favorite home tours that we have featured from the portfolio of the designers of this project, ARRCC: Step into paradise at this exhilarating South African safari lodge and Inside a striking summer home retreat nestled on Lake Huron, Ontario.

Above: The spiral staircase connects the two main levels and is situated to the right of the entrance.

Above: The upstairs living space has been transformed into a light, transparent, pavilion-like structure flooded with natural light and fresh air, orientated to connect with the garden at the back of the house and allowing views of the sea to flow through the interiors.

Above: A restrained and consistent palette of natural materials has been applied throughout the interiors, creating a tactile but neutral backdrop to enhance the color pop of the views of the landscape.

Above: The concrete shell’s curvaceous shape takes inspiration from the waves of the ocean and the mountains behind the house.

Above: Light oak paneling on the ceilings, walls, and floors provides softness and warmth, while exposed concrete elements provide a gritty contrast, and Cape Granite resonates with the mountainside setting.

Above: The ceiling’s design “pushes up” above clerestory windows to frame views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head above and behind the house.

Above: To the front of the house, the roof rises to scoop in expanses of sky. These focal points enhance the home’s connection to its beautiful natural setting and draw natural light deep into its interior.

Above: The main kitchen, overlooking the back of the house, pool, and surrounding views of the ocean beyond. At the back of the kitchen, lies the outside garden nestled into the mountains.

Above: The custom-made bespoke bar area, featuring Cape Granite, timber, brass, and copper elements.

Above: View leading from the upstairs level to the bottom entertainment level.

Above: The main bedroom en-suite. A consistent palette of natural materials has been applied throughout the interiors.

Above: The main bedroom en-suite. A consistent palette of natural materials has been applied throughout the interiors of Wave Villa.

Perforated sliding metal screens on the façade shelter the interiors from direct sunlight when necessary, scattering dappled patterns of light and shadow across the interior.

The top level boasts impressive sea views and includes the main living spaces. The open-plan lounge and dining areas flow out onto a terrace through floor-to-ceiling glass doors. The lower level accommodates three guest bedrooms, staff quarters, a gym, a study, a games room, and another lounge that opens seamlessly onto the pool terrace.

PHOTOGRAPHER Greg Cox

One Kindesign has received this project from our submissions page. If you have a project you would like to submit, please visit our submit your work page for consideration!