Concrete sophistication

New from SAOTA – Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects & Antoni Associates. A sophisticated take on the beach house vernacular.

"The brief called for a beach house suitable for a family of four, on a vacant site in Voelklip, Hermanus, Western Cape, RSA. The site is a long thin rectangular subdivision stretching from the sun facing street and mountain side to the undulating tree tops of the milkwoods and fynbos and the coastline on the South.

The gently sloping site presented the opportunity for a split-level living space allowing lounge, dining to be placed above the bedrooms on the ground level, all enjoying dramatic sea views. The double volume family room and kitchen form the heart of the home and form the connection between the sea facing accommodation and the internal sunny terraces, pool and garden. The main garden courtyard functions as a large wind free and sunny outdoor entertainment environment.

Materials were selected to enhance the beach-house character of the building while at the same time adding touches of sophisticated detail: white cement screed floors to the public circulation areas; lime washed oak floors to the lounge, dining area and lower-ground floor bedrooms; off shutter concrete ceilings; and external timber decks and pergolas, cladding, screens and shutters providing security, privacy and protection."

Click to read more ...

Miles and miles at Montrose

High on the ridge of Bishopscourt in Cape Town sits a glass pavillion with views to die for.  The house, Montrose, with its slick modern aesthetic is by South African design firm SAOTA - Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects. Like all their work featured here on DTI, finishes and joinery are first class, the pool and grounds a pleasure playground. No curtains, no need for privacy and everywhere the view. For miles and miles ....

Click to read more ...

Craving green

I look out at my garden and I see brown. A long dry winter without a hint of good rain and brutal frosts have seen my garden curl up its roots and almost give up. I cajole and threaten but spring is looking lorn at the new old house. For a little fantasy on a dry brown day I have turned to Sydney landscape designer Anthony Wyer. Verdant green and fantasy shapes. Cloud trees and bamboo, pools and spreading canopies of green. I close my eyes and all is beautiful and lush and green. Aaahhhhhh ......

Click to read more ...

Nettleton 198

Scaling the rock face in Cliffton, Cape town are eight storeys of luxury. Regular readers will immediately identify the architects as SAOTA – Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architect. Wide walls of glass capture the breathtaking views, pools plunge into infinity, high end finishes and custom jopinery are a given. Unbridled luxury is a must. This is what you arrive home to when you have arrived. Nettleton 198 by SAOTA in collaboration with OKHA Interiors.

(Project description and floorplans after the jump.)

Click to read more ...

Design King

Beautifully designed and crafted houses. It seems obvious what an architect strives to achieve. Homes that seamlessly fit their site and their owner's needs. Two homes today from Jon King of Design King Company. Timeless and clever, practical and specific with a wonderful sense of place. A celebration of the external and a revelling in the internal and private. The first home at Palm Beach has a sense of drama, almost a stage presence. The second, a family home at Coogee turns inwards and provides a sanctuary, a private wonderland for those who live within.

Click to read more ...