HAVinG JUst CoMpLeteD tHe ResiDents’
pRiMARy HoMe in CApe to Wn, the architectural
one happy consequence of raising the ground floor
was a foundation level that lent itself perfectly to a
firm stefan Antoni olmesdahl truen Architects (sAotA)
dormitory-style bedroom for the sons’ guests. A large
was entrusted to capture their clients’ overarching taste
laundry/storage room offers ample space for storing
yet present a completely separate gesture in form and
beach accoutrements. “storage space is imperative
feeling than their main residence. Architects stefan
in a holiday home,” notes the resident, “because you
Antoni, Greg truen and Richard townsend considered
have to pack up everything when you leave.”
the project’s unique set of challenges, from strict
to create the next layer of the home, interior designers
building regulations to the extremely long and narrow
Mark Rielly and Ashleigh Gilmour of Antoni Associates in
site. By embracing the gently sloping topography,
Cape town were invited in. Working closely with the
the team conceived of a clever split-level program
clients, they selected relaxed yet sophisticated furniture
with articulated terraces, bequeathing each room in
covered in outdoor fabrics, large scale, contemporary
the house an unfettered view of the sea. Within this
artworks and a cool, bright palette throughout.
sophisticated hierarchy of spaces, each room is situated
Multiple seating areas are populated by comfortable
to take full advantage of indoor/outdoor living while
arrangements unencumbered by overly fussy details.
maintaining privacy.
textiles are quiet yet luxurious—cashmere, suede, raw
since this house was among the first of its kind
silk, Carrera marble and leather—while show-stopping
in the area (Hermanus doesn’t boast many modern
custom chandeliers do the visual heavy lifting.
structures), the materials chosen to express the neo
entertaining figured prominently in the family’s wishes
beach vernacular were paramount. the architects’
when the project was in its nascent stages. A guest
choices included warm Balau timber for shutters, screens,
cottage was an absolute necessity. the architects
cladding and pergolas, which was selected for its ability
responded with a two-bedroom cottage, which
to withstand the climate and for its eventual promise: an
also includes a kitchenette, a courtyard and a living
elegant patina of silver-grey. As the spaces progress, so
room that opens to a private terrace and garden.
do the material choices: plaster walls provide continuity
this dedication to conviviality also contributed to the
inside and out, delicate stainless steel accents present
overall situation of the pool so close to the kitchen and
a slick counterpoint to white washed cement, and lime
open areas. “My favorite portion of the house is the
washed oak floors work in concert with dark stained
living area,” relays the client. “on a nice day, the sliding
African mahogany. indoors, mosaic tiles bounce light,
doors can be pushed back, which gives a feeling of
coaxing illumination alongside the carefully framed
space and openness. i also particularly enjoy that the
views captured within expansive clerestory windows
entire entertainment area becomes one space and
and dramatic skylights.
doesn’t exclude anyone.”
the orientation of rooms mimics the purely functionalist
Hermanus, considered by many to be tomorrow’s
form of the house itself. A covered walkway begins at
most exclusive stretch of real estate in the southern
the entry portico and extends down to the beach path.
hemisphere, is fast becoming a stage for innovative
the split-level configuration allows for open-plan living,
architecture. Here, sAotA has reinvented just what a
beginning with the one and a half volume living room
beach house can be n Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen
and kitchen, then leads to the dining room and lounge,
Architects, 109 Hatfield Street Gardens, Cape Town,
june
+
and continues yet further to the pool and terrace area.
South Africa + 27 (0) 21468 4400 saota.com
