SAOTA places cove 3 house along south african coastline

SAOTA places cove 3 house along south african coastline
photo © SAOTA, john devonport & micky hoyle for VISI

in response to a steeply sloping site along the south african coastline near the town of knysna, architecture office SAOTA has designed the ‘cove 3’ house for optimized views and openness to the ocean. all elements of the building, including the high and sloped roof, tall glass walls, outdoor deck, and infinity-edge pool, contribute to the residence’s south-facing orientation.

the house orients itself toward the ocean, with expansive openings to the south and east
photo © SAOTA, john devonport & micky hoyle for VISI

the structure is distinguished by its large single-plane roof, which slopes with the direction of topography. it is set at a high level to allow for open views from the living spaces, in order to produce, ‘the illusion that one is sitting in the landscape rather than in a room looking out into a landscape.’ at its center, a triangular void is cut out to reconnect the interior with a view to the sky.

a large sliding doors link the living room to the outdoor deck and pool
photo © SAOTA, john devonport & micky hoyle for VISI

the roof’s composition also responds to solar analysis, and allows for direct light rather than rising sun from the east. a midlevel horizontal screen element complements the canopy structure to regulate thermal gain. additionally, high-performance glass was utilized to minimize the heat gain.

the architects sought to utilize materials which blended the residence with the surrounding landscape, including off-shutter concrete, rheinzink roofing, timber cladding, and stone.

(left) the infinity edge of the pool visually blends with the ocean beyond
(right) a wide staircase connects the upper and main levels of the house
photo © SAOTA, john devonport & micky hoyle for VISI

the design for ‘cove 3’ was carried out in collaboration with SAOTA’s interior design studio, antoni associates. the cape town-based firm’s lead designer, mark rielly, states about the house:

‘the interiors are uncluttered and reflect the easy living requirements of the clients. spaces are sparse, and have been furnished minimalistically which emphasize the strong architectural lines and volume of the architecture. the furniture is modern, and a number of bespoke pieces were sourced from the designer’s retail outlet OKHA. a neutral palette of ivory, stone and shell complement the natural architectural timber and concrete finishes selected throughout.’

a sculptural spiral staircase passes through the residence’s three levels
photo © SAOTA, john devonport & micky hoyle for VISI

frameless glass sliding doors fold away to connect the master bedroom to an upper level patio
photo © SAOTA, john devonport & micky hoyle for VISI

the house is approached from the uphill side of the site
photo © SAOTA, john devonport & micky hoyle for VISI

photo © SAOTA, john devonport & micky hoyle for VISI

photo © SAOTA, john devonport & micky hoyle for VISI

all interior spaces feature floor to ceiling glass cladding toward the ocean
photo © SAOTA, john devonport & micky hoyle for VISI

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project info:

location: the cove, pezula estate, knysna, south africa
completion date: 2010
size: 1005 sqm
architecture: SAOTA / greg truen & roxanne kaye
interior design: antoni associates / mark rielly & tavia pharaoh
photography: SAOTA, john devonport & mark williams for VISI

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