Victoria House 73 by SAOTA: Sculptural Oceanic Housing in Cape Town

Located on the dramatic shore of Bantry Bay, Cape Town, the Victoria House 73 by SAOTA is a masterful embodiment of contemporary architecture, combining bold forms, luxurious functional design, and deeply contextual aesthetics. With expansive ocean views and sculptural geometries inspired by California's casita-style houses, this 11,829 sq ft home is a testament to SAOTA's architectural philosophy: modern, place-adapted, and globally embraced.

Architectural Challenges and Spatial Strategy

When SAOTA was invited to redevelop the underutilized plot on Victoria Road, the client's requirements— a young family — were clear: transform the site into a private retreat maximizing views while respecting Cape Town's complex zoning. The original house, partially illegally constructed according to new regulations, had to be retained in part due to budgetary constraints, complicating the reinterpretation and presentation of the project.

The site's steep slope and narrow form—26 meters deep at the rear, 17 meters wide on the street side, and 16 meters lower—created significant architectural and engineering challenges. However, SAOTA turned these limitations into opportunities by vertically organizing the house across six levels, integrating terraces, views, and recreational areas at different elevations.

Programmatic Zoning: Family & Entertainment

The house is designed vertically to clearly distinguish family life and entertainment:

• Fourth and Fifth Levels: These levels form the heart of the home, housing an open living room, kitchen, and dining area all sunlit and oriented toward ocean views. Below is the fifth-floor entertainment zone with a bar, outdoor braai area, and pool terrace featuring shaded and open relaxation zones. A dramatic overhang at the western edge captures the last rays of Cape Town's sunset.

• Sixth Level: Reserved for private family spaces, including the master bedroom, two children's bedrooms with bathrooms, and a kids' play area.

• Second and Third Levels: Designed for guest accommodation, staff housing, and a tranquil library.

• First Level: Includes a five-car garage, entrance hall, and vertical circulation via glass lift and external stairs.

Design Language and Architectural Influences

The design draws inspiration from the modernist rigor of Mies van der Rohe and California's modernism. The Cantilevered roof floats above the main living level, separated from the concrete ceiling by a vertical light well—an elegant nod to flat architecture and the famous Barcelona Pavilion.

Materials play a key role:

• Structured stone cladding enriches both interior and exterior walls.

• Cast concrete adds raw texture to key public zones.

• Wooden panels and vibrant mosaic flooring bring warmth and craftsmanship, creating a tactile contrast with the sculptural structure of the house.

Contextual Integration and Privacy

Despite the density of its neighborhood, privacy was achieved through strategic spatial planning and compartmentalized design. The house faces inward while offering unlimited ocean views. Outdoor zones, especially on entertainment levels, are sheltered from prevailing regional winds—maximizing comfort and convenience.

Conclusion: A New Cape Town Icon

The Victoria House 73 by SAOTA is a powerful example of how Southern African architecture continues to evolve at the intersection of innovation, landscape, and lifestyle. It is more than a home—it's a sculptural presence strengthening the Banter Bay shoreline. With its complex interplay of forms, materials, and multi-layered spaces, this home reflects the ambitions of contemporary architecture in South Africa—a seamless blend of nature, technology, and art.

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