Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects sent us images of this cool coastal house in a picturesque location known as The Cove, in Pezula Estate, Knysna. This South African paradise called for a contemporary style home that focused as a lot consideration on the outdoors as the indoors. Inspired by its indigenous surroundings, here’;s what SAOTA came up with.
style=”text-align: none”>
Set on a cliff overlooking the waterfront, this property was produced with its surroundings in mind – maximizing views, and complementing the site’;s spectacular natural traits. The home’;s low-profile silhouette organically follows the lay of the land.
style=”text-align: none”>
Peeking up more than the grass-covered countryside, the home functions an earthy material palette which contains heavy stone walls to ground the house, and cantilevered timber decks that give the architecture a light, airy feel.
style=”text-align: none”>
From a distance, the ideal green golf course and the deep blue sea is surely an outdoor enthusiast’;s paradise!
style=”text-align: none”>
On closer inspection, the property itself is also an ode to the outdoors, featuring warm, raw materials that combine to develop an earthy, intriguing abode. As you stroll up the path to the main entrance, a lengthy stone slab leads the eye and lures your feet.
style=”text-align: none”>
From the exterior, the stone walls and blue skies make their way indoors by means of the stone foyer walls and a skylight overhead. Exposed beams cast long shadows on the floors and turn the ceiling into an illuminated focal point. How’;s that for organic lighting?!
style=”text-align: none”>
On entry, the foyer functions smooth concrete walls and floating concrete stairs have a contemporary look and really feel, all awash in neutral tones, with gleaming marble underfoot and the sun streaming in overhead.
style=”text-align: none”>
At the far finish of the entry, a dark, wealthy, knotty wood wall softens the cool, modern appear whilst tying interiors to the timber terraces.
style=”text-align: none”>
The sheltered open-air terraces function wood ceilings and floors, trasforming the outdoors into an extension of the house. These accurate alfresco living rooms are complete with minimalist furnishings that mirror the home’;s clean but warm interiors, which are visible through floor-to-ceiling windows at each turn.
style=”text-align: none”>
These light-filled outside rooms have a relaxed resort feel about them – perfect for a residence meant as an indoor-outside summer time retreat. A long pool cuts through the center of this interior courtyard, which is flanked by the home’;s two separate volumes.
style=”text-align: none”>
As you appear out across the pool, your eye naturally flows out to the unobstructed sea.
style=”text-align: none”>
But you do not have to be outdoors to take pleasure in the sea. The home’;s basic linear layout makes it possible for nature views from virtually each area. Expansive glazing frames these soothing scenes with its barely-there borders.
style=”text-align: none”>
By evening, the home glows from inside. Warm interior lighting has a fiery smoldering impact that contrasts the cool blue lighting of the pool.
style=”text-align: none”>
Early mornings and endless evenings – time here is no doubt spent out in the open, by the pool, playing a game of golf, or regarding the infinite sea in quiet contemplation.
style=”text-align: none”>
Indeed, this straightforward but complex property has much more to it than meets the eye, boasting a lovely balance of nature and man-made modern day components, indoors and out, private and public spaces that make this a sweet retreat.
“The key to this retreat is its simplicity in terms of the connection in between spaces. Its floor plan is structured, sparse and uncluttered,” according to SAOTA. Check out these floor plans:
style=”text-align: none”>
SAOTA
Here’a a fine example of sustainable design and style! The Lotheringen Home project illustrates how a barn can be reinterpreted in our modern times, maintaining a simplistic, however dynamic structure. Built on a farm estate, the house designed by Emilio Eftychis, reminds us of exactly where the raw supplies had been kept after. In spite of its barn-like shape, the residence has also typical South African particulars, reflecting the vernacular architecture. Verandas embellish the ground floor, showcasing a series of exciting openings. “The design and style of this space heightens the senses: it breathes, and is animated by light and air. the threshold in between the interior and exterior is consistently blurred.” 
