Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay

  • Project: Beachyhead Residence
  • Location: South Africa, Plettenberg Bay
  • Year: 2020
  • Area: 900 m2
  • Photography: Adam Letch

Overlooking the shimmering shoreline of Robberg Beach, the Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA is a masterful expression of sculptural minimalism and coastal living. Located in the exclusive seaside enclave of Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, this modern home is perched just above the dune line—designed to frame breathtaking ocean views while maintaining a quiet presence in the landscape.

A Box That Embraces the View

What began as a simple architectural box evolved into a refined residence that thoughtfully balances raw materiality with delicate details. The home’s outer shell—finished in rough natural textures—echoes the colors and tones of the dune, contrasting with the smooth soffits and reveals that taper gracefully to frame the expansive horizon.

“We wanted to design a house that blends with the land but offers a focused connection to the sea,” SAOTA explains.

Understated From the Road, Open to the Ocean

From the street, the home presents a modest scale, with the main living areas tucked below. A horizontal canopy, planted with indigenous vegetation, defines the entrance while softening the architecture with natural elements.

As one descends into the home, the layout opens dramatically toward the ocean. A sculptural vertical void slices through the center, separating the home’s southern and northern volumes. This feature serves both a visual and environmental function—flooding the interior with northern light and anchoring the circulation with a suspended staircase lit from above.

Layered Geometry and Light

The staircase geometry extends diagonally outward into a cantilevered entertainment terrace, offering panoramic views of the Robberg Peninsula and Outeniqua Mountains. Below, a rim-flow pool on the lower terrace is raised slightly above the surrounding timber deck, creating the illusion that it floats within the platform—a shimmering reflection of the sea beyond.

The kitchen, centrally positioned, acts as the heart of the home. It connects to both the open-plan living areas and a sheltered northern courtyard, while its volume opens upward to the bedroom gallery, allowing soft, indirect light to permeate the space.

A Home in Harmony with Nature

Beachyhead Residence achieves an elegant balance between architecture and setting. The home is carefully nestled into its sloped site, hovering just above the landscape. The indigenous planting, timber decking, and textural palette of stone and concrete connect the home to its environment with grace and restraint.

Every design move—whether in light, form, or material—reinforces the intention to create a contemporary coastal retreat that feels both expansive and grounded, private yet open, minimal yet expressive.

Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch
Beachyhead Residence by SAOTA: A Sculpted Coastal Haven in Plettenberg Bay
Photography © Adam Letch

Posted by SAOTA

SAOTA is an internationally acclaimed architectural firm known for its visionary design approach and global impact. Led by a dynamic team including Stefan Antoni, Philip Olmesdahl, Greg Truen, Phillippe Fouché, Mark Bullivant, Roxanne Kaye, Logen Gordon, Dani Reimers, and Dominik George, the firm seamlessly blends innovation, functionality, and aesthetics to redefine contemporary architecture. With a portfolio spanning six continents, SAOTA has established itself as a leader in delivering cutting-edge architectural solutions across diverse markets. The firm's success stems from its ability to harmonize form and function, creating bespoke designs that maximize value while responding to unique environmental and cultural contexts. A commitment to technological innovation places SAOTA at the forefront of the industry. The firm integrates advanced Revit modeling and virtual reality tools to enhance the design process, ensuring precision, clarity, and immersive client experiences. Rooted in a spirit of continuous exploration, SAOTA thrives on pushing creative boundaries, shaping iconic spaces that embody elegance, sophistication, and architectural excellence. Through its unwavering dedication to quality and client-focused solutions, the firm remains a global benchmark in contemporary architecture.