Cliff House by SAOTA, A Bold Architectural Icon in Dakar, Senegal
Architecture Design of Cliff House
Description About The Project
Discover Cliff House by SAOTA in Dakar, Senegal, a masterpiece of modern architecture with dramatic cantilevered roofs, double volumes, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Project “Cliff House” Information:
- Project Name: Cliff House
- Location: Dakar, Senegal
- Project Year: 2011
- Site Area: 1 954 m2
- Designed by: SAOTA
A Landmark Residence Above the Atlantic
Cliff House by SAOTA is situated on a steep cliff in Dakar, Senegal, where the architecture rises as both a dwelling and a sculptural icon. The home projects boldly toward the Atlantic Ocean, harnessing the drama of its natural setting while offering its residents unparalleled views of sea and sky.
The design is defined by vast cantilevered concrete roofs, which extend outward like wings, creating a commanding profile that appears to hover above the rugged terrain. These striking forms are balanced by double-volume living spaces that emphasize openness, natural light, and an uninterrupted connection with the horizon.
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A Dialogue Between Structure and Landscape
According to the architects at SAOTA, the project was conceived as an exploration of architectural presence in extreme conditions. In a statement to Luxury Houses Magazine, lead architect Greg Truen remarked:
“The site demanded a bold gesture. By cantilevering the main roof planes, we created a form that both anchors to the cliff and reaches out to embrace the ocean.”
Glass walls dissolve boundaries between inside and out, ensuring the interior spaces are constantly infused with the colors and energy of the Atlantic. The use of concrete, steel, and glass enhances the home’s structural clarity while reinforcing its monumental character.
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Interiors That Capture Light and Space
Inside, soaring ceilings and fluid layouts define the social and private areas. The double-volume living zones serve as the heart of the home, framed by dramatic views and softened by refined material choices. Natural stone, polished concrete, and warm timber details contrast with the raw power of the concrete shells, bringing a sense of intimacy to the monumental structure.
SAOTA’s director Philip Olmesdahl explained in an interview with Luxury Houses:
“Our goal was to create a space where the drama of the architecture did not overwhelm the experience of living. The interiors are curated to be both powerful and livable.”
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Engineering Meets Poetic Vision
The cliffside location posed significant challenges, requiring advanced engineering solutions to stabilize the structure while preserving its lightness. The architects note that every cantilever, beam, and overhang was calculated to withstand the coastal winds and ocean spray.
As SAOTA’s design director Stefan Antoni shared with Luxury Houses Magazine:
“This house is about tension—between solidity and openness, between shelter and exposure. It is a home that captures the poetry of architecture on the edge of the world.”
A Global Statement in Modern Architecture
Cliff House is more than a private residence; it is a testament to SAOTA’s mastery of sculptural modernism and site-responsive design. Its bold concrete roofs, sweeping double volumes, and intimate yet expansive interiors embody the firm’s philosophy of architecture as both art and experience.
From Dakar’s cliffs, the residence stands as a symbol of architectural courage—an uncompromising vision that merges engineering, design, and the elemental beauty of the Atlantic.
Photo credit: | Source: SAOTA
For more information about this project; please contact the Architecture firm :
– Add: 109 Hatfield Street Gardens, Cape Town 8001
– Tel: +27 (0)21 468 4400
– Email: info@saota.com
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