City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC: A Mountainside Masterpiece in Cape Town

  • Project: City Heights Residence
  • Architect: SAOTA, ARRCC
  • Location: South Africa, Cape Town
  • Year: 2022
  • Area: 1200 m2

Set high on Cape Town’s mountainside, the City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC is a bold architectural statement that fuses angular geometry with opulent materiality, panoramic views, and dynamic interiors. This private home, designed for a client with a passion for entertaining and comfort, is characterized by custom furniture, gem-like finishes, and a rich narrative of form and contrast.

Sculptural Architecture, Layered Living

SAOTA’s architectural design stacks the home vertically, with guest bedrooms positioned on the lower levels and the main living spaces and master suite elevated to optimize privacy and views. The middle level, which includes the primary entertainment and social zones, offers the most immersive experience, reached via a dramatic double-volume glass stairwell that frames mountain vistas.

“The home is dynamic—a place where unexpected materials combine to reflect the energy of its owner,” says ARRCC Director Mark Rielly.

Grand Entrance with Artistic Layers

The entrance hall immediately sets the tone:

  • Walnut paneling adds warmth

  • A metal-fleck ceramic piece by Chantal Woodman for OKHA rests on a suspended black swing server

  • A custom grey wool rug and marble-inspired flooring are paired with a ceramic art installation by Hennie Meyer, creating a sense of artistic curiosity

Entertainment Floor: Metallics, Warmth & Artistry

The main living level is a showcase of controlled contrasts:

  • Polished and patinated metals

  • Walnut and marble surfaces

  • Circular lighting features like the brass ring chandelier above the custom walnut dining table with marble lazy Susan

  • Rounded Arti-forte chairs and polygonal light installations echo the home’s angular architecture

The kitchen, set within this open-plan layout, features:

  • A patinated brass countertop

  • Inset dark marble detailing

  • Granite prep surfaces

  • An abstract Andrzej Urbanski painting from Everard Read

A slatted walnut screen separates the lounge, where a custom sofa with angled bend offers multiple sightlines—to the ocean, courtyard, and a mirror-backed television above a biofuel Emperador marble fireplace.

Decorative acoustic panels with brass detailing conceal integrated speakers. OKHA Gloob chairs, a mustard-felt recliner, and Tom Dixon accents add layers of personality and warmth.

Bar & Lounge: Intimate, Artistic, Refined

The bar area is defined by:

  • Pietra Paesina Laminam slabs

  • A slatted timber ceiling that wraps into the backlit wood shelving

  • Lee Broom pendant lights

  • Tom Dixon bar stools and Classicon tables from Limeline

The entire level opens to a climate-controlled terrace, with:

  • Custom outdoor seating

  • A cantilevered biofuel fireplace

  • An infinity pool overlooking Cape Town

Master Suite: A Personal Sanctuary

The top-floor master suite continues the palette of walnut, mustard, and stone. Highlights include:

  • Brass-lit walnut slatted walls

  • A geometric painting by Andrzej Urbanski

  • Linen-effect drapery softening angular lines

Signature furnishings include:

  • Kaggen Side Table by OKHA and Atang Tshikare

  • A marble-topped Tonic coffee table

  • Shany van den Berg artwork near the private lounge

This level offers complete immersion, both mentally and physically, into a world of elevated textures and curated calm.

A Unified Design Philosophy

Every detail of City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC speaks to a harmony of art, architecture, and individuality. Through dynamic layouts, bespoke pieces, and a material palette that is both bold and tactile, the home delivers a layered experience that reflects Cape Town’s natural drama and urban sophistication.

City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC: A Mountainside Masterpiece in Cape Town
Photography © ARRCC Interior Design
City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC: A Mountainside Masterpiece in Cape Town
Photography © ARRCC Interior Design
City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC: A Mountainside Masterpiece in Cape Town
Photography © ARRCC Interior Design
City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC: A Mountainside Masterpiece in Cape Town
Photography © ARRCC Interior Design
City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC: A Mountainside Masterpiece in Cape Town
Photography © ARRCC Interior Design
City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC: A Mountainside Masterpiece in Cape Town
Photography © ARRCC Interior Design
City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC: A Mountainside Masterpiece in Cape Town
Photography © ARRCC Interior Design
City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC: A Mountainside Masterpiece in Cape Town
Photography © ARRCC Interior Design
City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC: A Mountainside Masterpiece in Cape Town
Photography © ARRCC Interior Design
City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC: A Mountainside Masterpiece in Cape Town
Photography © ARRCC Interior Design
City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC: A Mountainside Masterpiece in Cape Town
Photography © ARRCC Interior Design
City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC: A Mountainside Masterpiece in Cape Town
Photography © ARRCC Interior Design
City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC: A Mountainside Masterpiece in Cape Town
Photography © ARRCC Interior Design
City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC: A Mountainside Masterpiece in Cape Town
Photography © ARRCC Interior Design
City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC: A Mountainside Masterpiece in Cape Town
Photography © ARRCC Interior Design
City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC: A Mountainside Masterpiece in Cape Town
Photography © ARRCC Interior Design

Floor Plans

City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC: A Mountainside Masterpiece in Cape Town

City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC: A Mountainside Masterpiece in Cape Town

City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC: A Mountainside Masterpiece in Cape Town

City Heights Residence by SAOTA and ARRCC: A Mountainside Masterpiece in Cape Town

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.