SAOTA: la lucia

‘la lucia’ by SAOTA, durban, south africa image © SAOTA all images courtesy SAOTA

cape town-based architectural firm SAOTA has recently completed ‘la lucia’, a residence along the northern coast of kwazulu natal in durban, south africa. nestled within a grove of milkwood trees, the front door is partially concealed by a pair of these trees which flank the entry walk. upon passing to the continuous interior space, a grand view of the ocean is revealed, framed with the ceiling clad with aligned timber slats. the entire room opens to a sea-facing pool deck and garden to the west of the structure. a series of metal panels line the lower and upper levels, sliding along the facade to completely or partially seal it off for privacy or to minimize solar gain. the screens are made from bronzed anodised aluminum evoking the texture of the nearby leaf canopies.

four individual terraces project from the upper level bedrooms. selected by antoni associates, a neutral palette of sand-colored concrete floors, bleached timber, natural leathers and grey linens are accented with touches of charcoal, teal and azure.

side of the dwelling image © SAOTA

entry image © SAOTA

combined living space image © SAOTA

living room image © SAOTA

bathroom image © SAOTA

(left) bathroom (right) upper level corridor images © SAOTA

combined living space at dusk image © SAOTA

combined living space image © SAOTA

stairway image © SAOTA

glass enclosed stairway image © SAOTA

pool images © SAOTA

view towards the south image © SAOTA

illuminated at night, the pattern of the screens emerges image © SAOTA

floor plan / level 0 1. entrance hall 2. kitchen 3. lounge 4. dining room 5. staff room 6. terrace 7. pool 8. spa 9. deck 10. garage 11. bedroom 12. double volume 13. road side 14. sea side

floor plan / level 1 1. entrance hall 2. kitchen 3. lounge 4. dining room 5. staff room 6. terrace 7. pool 8. spa 9. deck 10. garage 11. bedroom 12. double volume 13. road side 14. sea side

section 1. entrance hall 2. kitchen 3. lounge 4. dining room 5. staff room 6. terrace 7. pool 8. spa 9. deck 10. garage 11. bedroom 12. double volume 13. road side 14. sea side

project info:

project name: la lucia location: durban, south africa architects: SAOTA – stefan antoni olmesdahl truen architects project team: philip olmesdahl, patrick ferguson & stefan antoni interior decor: antoni associates  project team: mark rielly, ashleigh gilmour & staci kinnes completion date: 2011 photographs: karl beath