Contemporary Open View House - First Crescent by SAOTA

Contemporary Open View House – First Crescent by SAOTA

First Crescent by SAOTA

The aims of First Crescent were to design a dramatic memorable house with specific aesthetic considerations and to have the flexibility that it could be either partially or completely rented out. The house projected as a contemporary design suit along fantastic site to creating an elegant response. This double storey house was positioned centrally on the site.

open terrace First Crescent by SAOTA

The house is intended to cover all the sights, but it is still possible to provide privacy from neighbors. Clerestory frameless glazing (skylights) replaced structure and framed views which might otherwise have been missed. Sandblasting of the full height glazing at the eastern boundary enabled us to maximize light to the linear passage and maintain views of the mountain peaks whilst adhering to councils requirements and ensuring privacy of the neighboring property.

open view living space First Crescent by SAOTA

All living spaces have a great connection to the covered or uncovered terraces and the interior / exterior space continuation is dramatic. The living spaces are highly transparent to take full advantage of views. The Upstairs & Downstairs are very similar in that each level is fully equipped and independently habitable. The ground floor differs in that it has a self-contained staff suite, only two bedrooms and a water feature which runs the full length of the passage emphasizing the linearity of the house. At this level the views from the terrace are mostly restricted to the North. However, at the First Floor one is elevated above the neighboring houses and can appreciate the 360 degree view.

modern bedroom First Crescent by SAOTA

The roof over the deck has a steel structure which cantilevers out of the reinforced concrete of the roof slab. A steel ‘ring’ beam was used to create the cut-out and the remaining external extent of the roof was then clad with aluminum panels. Steel sections remain visible creating the illusion of a very thin roof. Reinforced concrete upstand beams are however set back from the edge of the roof edge and are not visible from below.
Architects: SAOTA (Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects) – Stefan Antoni, Philip Olmesdahl, Tamaryn Hammond
House in: Camps Bay, South Africa