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Hovering over the dune and a stone throw from Robberg Beach in Plettenberg Bay, the design was conceived as a simple box which captures and frames the ocean view.
![Beachyhead](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Beachyhead-by-SAOTA-04-1-876x620.jpg)
The outer shell of the box is finished in a rough natural texture that references back to the dune, contrasting with the smooth reveal and soffit that tapers to create a delicate frame.
![Beachyhead](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Beachyhead-by-SAOTA-03-1-876x620.jpg)
From the road, the scale of the house is modest, with living spaces concealed on a lower level. Strong horizontality is articulated in the entrance canopy, which is planted with indigenous shrubs cascading over the slab edge.
![Beachyhead](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Beachyhead-by-SAOTA-02-1-876x620.jpg)
Taking advantage of the remarkable views – with Robberg peninsula to the south-east and the Outeniqua Mountains in the distance towards the north – the southern section of the house is higher and appears to be sliced off from the northern part in a sculptural way.
![Beachyhead](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Beachyhead-by-SAOTA-05-1-876x1248.jpg)
This opening extends vertically through the building, washing northern light into the deeper spaces of the house. Lit from a skylight above, the stairs are delicately suspended in this void, also allowing views through it.
![Beachyhead](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Beachyhead-by-SAOTA-06-1-876x620.jpg)
The geometry of the staircase continues as a diagonal line that extends the cantilevering entertainment terrace.
![Beachyhead](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Beachyhead-by-SAOTA-08-1-876x620.jpg)
The centrally-positioned kitchen serves the living spaces and northern courtyard. The kitchen volume opens upwards to the bedroom gallery, allowing northern light into the space.
![Beachyhead](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Beachyhead-by-SAOTA-07-1-876x619.jpg)
Located on the lower terrace, the pool connects to the main entertainment spaces by means of a stone staircase, articulated as part of the plinth.
![Beachyhead](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Beachyhead-by-SAOTA-09-1-876x620.jpg)
With a water level that is slightly raised above the deck surface; a rim flow all round creates the impression that this reflective water body slots into the timber deck.
![Beachyhead](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Beachyhead-by-SAOTA-11-1-876x614.jpg)
This further creates unity between this refined, easy-flowing home and its natural surroundings. Source by SAOTA.
![Beachyhead](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Beachyhead-by-SAOTA-10-1-876x620.jpg)
- Location: Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
- Architect: SAOTA
- Project Architects: Phillippe Fouché & Mias Claassens
- Interiors: Cécile & Boyd
- Year: 2017
- Photographs: Adam Letch, Courtesy of SAOTA
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