Beachyhead, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Located in Plettenberg Bay, with Robberg peninsula to the southeast and the Outeniqua Mountains towards the north, this double storey villa was designed by Cécile & Boyd, in collaboration with SAOTA Architects and Cape Island Construction.

The design was conceived as a simple box that captures and frames the ocean view. From the road, the living spaces on the lower level are not visible, offering privacy, and a strong horizontal element is articulated in the entrance canopy, which is also planted with indigenous shrubs that cascade over the slab edge. The southern section of the house is higher and appears to be sliced off from the northern part in a sculptural way. This opening extends vertically through the building, adding northern light into the deeper spaces of the house. Lit from a skylight above, the stairs are delicately suspended in this void. The geometry of the staircase continues as a diagonal line that extends to the cantilevered entertainment terrace. The kitchen is positioned centrally and serves the living space and northern courtyard. It also opens upwards to the bedroom gallery.

The pool connects to the main entertainment spaces via a stone staircase. 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. This further creates unity between this refined, easy flowing home and its natural surroundings.

Dornbracht, Villeroy & Boch, Hansgrohe