South African view of the ocean

September 28, 2018

SAOTA, an architecture design studio based in Cape Town, projected a new house with interiors by Cécile & Boyd in Plettenberg Bay.

Hovering over the dune and a stone throw from Robberg Beach in Plettenberg Bay, the design was conceived as a simple box which captures and frames the ocean view. The outer shell of the box is finished in a rough natural texture that references back to the dune, contrasting with the smooth reveal and soffit that tapers to create a delicate frame.

From the road, the scale of the house is modest, with living spaces concealed on a lower level. Strong horizontality is articulated in the entrance canopy, which is planted with indigenous shrubs cascading over the slab edge.

Located on the lower terrace, the pool connects to the main entertainment spaces by means of a stone staircase, articulated as part of the plinth. With a water level that is slightly raised above the deck surface; a rim flow all round creates the impression that this reflective water body slots into the timber deck. This further creates unity between this refined, easy-flowing home and its natural surroundings

Taking advantage of the remarkable views - with Robberg peninsula to the south-east and the Outeniqua Mountains in the distance towards the north - the southern section of the house is higher and appears to be sliced off from the northern part in a sculptural way. This opening extends vertically through the building, washing northern light into the deeper spaces of the house. Lit from a skylight above, the stairs are delicately suspended in this void, also allowing views through it.

The geometry of the staircase continues as a diagonal line that extends the cantilevering entertainment terrace. The centrally-positioned kitchen serves the living spaces and northern courtyard. The kitchen volume opens upwards to the bedroom gallery, allowing northern light into the space.

SHARE THIS

 Contribute

G&G _ Magazine is always looking for the creative talents of stylists, designers, photographers and writers from around the globe.

WRITE US

 Find us on

Recent Posts

By G&G _ Magazine March 3, 2026
In the ever-evolving Mokotów district, where glass office towers rise beside traces of the city’s industrial past, Vienna House by Wyndham Mokotow Warsaw stands as a refined interpretation of contrast. The hotel captures the spirit of a capital that has rebuilt and redefined itself, blending brutalist echoes and a cleaner, more contemporary integration that reflects the innovative pulse of modern Warsaw.
By G&G _ Magazine February 27, 2026
Taking place from March 5–8, Indonesia International Furniture Expo (IFEX) 2026 is set to return as a key regional platform reinforcing Indonesia’s role as a leading furniture and craft manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia, while strengthening its reach into global markets.
By G&G _ Magazine February 27, 2026
From March 18–21 and March 28–31, 2026, the 57th edition of CIFF Guangzhou returns with a strategic and forward-looking theme CONNECT·CREATE, positioning itself not only as a global furniture exhibition, but as an integrated platform where production and consumption, design and manufacturing, technology and culture converge to redefine the future of the industry.
By G&G _ Magazine February 24, 2026
From 5 February to mid-March 2026, across three emblematic locations in Madrid — Institución Libre de Enseñanza, Plaza de Colón and FORMA — LOEWE Perfumes presents Crafted Garden , an immersive installation conceived for Madrid Design Festival 2026 . The project unfolds as a sensory journey inspired by Renaissance gardens, bringing together nature, fragrance and contemporary craftsmanship in a multi-layered exploration of design and olfactory culture.
By G&G _ Magazine February 23, 2026
From 5 to 8 March, Nave Una and the Central de Diseño (DIMAD) at Matadero Madrid will host the first edition of FORMA , a new contemporary design fair curated by Antonio Jesús Luna and Emerjo Arena. Promoted by Madrid Design Festival together with the Madrid City Council’s Department of Culture, Tourism and Sport, the project is conceived as a strategic platform aimed at strengthening the design market and positioning Madrid on the international map of specialized fairs.
By G&G _ Magazine February 23, 2026
Following the success of Mo de Movimiento, Proyectos Conscientes presents TRAMO in Madrid: a visionary project rooted in sustainability, inclusion and urban renewal.
MORE

 Subscribe

Keep up to date with the latest trends!

Receive a dose of inspiration directly into your mailbox!

 Popular Posts

By G&G _ Magazine February 27, 2026
From March 18–21 and March 28–31, 2026, the 57th edition of CIFF Guangzhou returns with a strategic and forward-looking theme CONNECT·CREATE, positioning itself not only as a global furniture exhibition, but as an integrated platform where production and consumption, design and manufacturing, technology and culture converge to redefine the future of the industry.
By G&G _ Magazine February 24, 2026
From 5 February to mid-March 2026, across three emblematic locations in Madrid — Institución Libre de Enseñanza, Plaza de Colón and FORMA — LOEWE Perfumes presents Crafted Garden , an immersive installation conceived for Madrid Design Festival 2026 . The project unfolds as a sensory journey inspired by Renaissance gardens, bringing together nature, fragrance and contemporary craftsmanship in a multi-layered exploration of design and olfactory culture.
By G&G _ Magazine February 23, 2026
From 5 to 8 March, Nave Una and the Central de Diseño (DIMAD) at Matadero Madrid will host the first edition of FORMA , a new contemporary design fair curated by Antonio Jesús Luna and Emerjo Arena. Promoted by Madrid Design Festival together with the Madrid City Council’s Department of Culture, Tourism and Sport, the project is conceived as a strategic platform aimed at strengthening the design market and positioning Madrid on the international map of specialized fairs.