SAOTA: la lucia
<p>lining the lower and upper levels, a series of screens made from bronzed anodised aluminum evoke the texture of the leaf canopies of the encompassing native milkwood trees.</p>
‘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
