guided by the elements

The clients approached SAOTA to design a family holiday home that responded to the site, especially the views. They wanted a relaxing, yet elegant home that would be comfortable when entertaining many guests whilst also feeling intimate and cosy when it’s only one or two of them in the house. Other factors that drove the conceptual organisation of the building were the views, sunlight, prevailing wind direction and the zoning parameters.

Located to the South of Beacon Isle in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. The site slopes down to the beach and has uninterrupted views over the Indian Ocean, Robberg to the South East and the Outeniqua Mountains in the distance towards the North.

The house was conceived as a simple box, floating over the dune, capturing and framing the view. The outer shell of the box is finished in a rough textured concrete, contrasting with the smooth reveal and soffit that tapers to create a delicate frame.