This stair was conceived as a sculptural element in the large volume to again mitigate the scale of this space. As a result, a midlevel horizontal sunscreen was added to the double height glass façade and the skylight is protected by a timber screen that hangs into the space to mitigate the scale of the double volume space. A large triangular cut-out in the roof reinforces a connection with the sky. The contrast with the external approach is very powerful. It enjoys fantastic sea views to the East and to the South. A neutral palette of ivory, stone and shell complement the natural architectural timber and concrete finishes selected throughout,” says Mark Rielly of ANTONI ASSOCIATES. Approach
The primary idea driving the design was to create a single living space with a single roof element floating over it that responded to the slope of the site. Care was also taken in selecting performance-glass that would minimise the impact of direct sun. Cove 3 House by SAOTA and Antoni Associates
Posted by Erin on November 2nd, 2014
SAOTA – Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects and Antoni Associates have designed a home for a family in Knysna, South Africa. This spiral drops through the floor to a lower level which houses a guest bedroom, a home theatre and a living room. A grand stair pulls on onto the living level which holds the kitchen, dining room and living room. The furniture is modern, and a number of bespoke pieces were sourced from the designer’s retail outlet OKHA. The site enjoys spectacular views and it was important that the connection to these views was maximised,” says Greg Truen, Project Partner. A heat pump and water based under floor heating system uses less energy than would ordinarily be required for a house of this magnitude. A very detailed solar analysis was done of the building to try and get direct sun (other than the rising East sun) out of the building. The approach is from the North West and there are houses that overlook the property from the East and the North. An L-shaped extension to the South West houses the two children’s bedrooms. From SAOTA
Brief
“The brief was to create a home for a Johannesburg based family that could eventually be used as a family home but would initially be used for holidays. This elevation is low and horizontal. The concept behind the landscaping was to reinstate the fynbos and let the building float over this restored surface. To the right the landscaping is pulled into the building, blurring the distinction between the inside and the outside. The choice of materials, off-shutter concrete, Rheinzink roofing, timber cladding, stone and exposed aggregate will allow the building to fade into the landscape as it ages. A spiral stair connects the living level to a private lounge and the master bedroom on a mezzanine level.
