First Crescent by SAOTA, A Sculptural Masterpiece Overlooking Camps Bay

Date of Publishing: May 28, 2025

Architecture Design of First Crescent

Description About The Project

Discover First Crescent by SAOTA—a minimalist residence in Cape Town offering panoramic views of Lion’s Head, Camps Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living.

The Project “First Crescent” Information:

Project Name: First Crescent
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Project Year: 2007
Area: 676 m²
Designed by: SAOTA

A Vision of Minimalist Elegance

Perched on the slopes of Lion’s Head in Cape Town, First Crescent is a testament to SAOTA’s commitment to creating spaces that harmonize with their surroundings. This minimalist residence offers a 270-degree panorama encompassing Camps Bay, the Twelve Apostles, and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
Exquisite Bathrooms

First Crescent by SAOTA, A Sculptural Masterpiece Overlooking Camps Bay

The client’s brief was clear: design a dramatic, memorable house that caters to specific aesthetic preferences and offers flexibility for partial or complete rental. SAOTA responded with a design that is both striking and adaptable.

“Our goal was to craft a home that not only meets the client’s vision but also enhances the natural beauty of its setting,” states the SAOTA team.

SEE MORE: Boje House by Metropole Architects, A Sculptural Dialogue Between Ocean, Light, and Structure

Navigating a Challenging Site

The site’s unique dimensions—50 meters in length and narrowing to 20 meters at its widest—presented design challenges. SAOTA addressed this by positioning a double-storey structure centrally, effectively dividing the property and creating a spacious South-facing front garden.

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The existing structure was entirely demolished, save for a small basement transformed into a guest suite with its own unique views. The design emphasizes strong lines and a linear layout, maximizing space without compromising aesthetics.

“We embraced the site’s constraints, turning them into opportunities for innovative design solutions,” the architects explain.

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Embracing the Views

The residence is meticulously oriented to capture the breathtaking vistas of Camps Bay beach and Lion’s Head to the north, with additional views of the Twelve Apostles and the Cable Station. To optimize these views while ensuring privacy, SAOTA incorporated clerestory frameless glazing and sandblasted full-height windows along the eastern boundary.

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“Every design element was chosen to frame the landscape, allowing the natural beauty to permeate the living spaces,” the team notes.

SEE MORE: Casa C+ by Mário Martins Atelier, A Sculptural Dialogue with the Algarve Landscape

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living

The living areas, situated on the Northern side, are designed to extend towards the view, creating a sense of propulsion into the landscape. Expansive glass doors open onto covered and uncovered terraces, blurring the lines between interior and exterior spaces.

Both levels of the home are fully equipped and independently habitable. The ground floor features a self-contained staff suite, two bedrooms, and a water feature running the length of the passage, emphasizing the home’s linearity. The upper floor offers elevated views, providing a 360-degree panorama above neighboring structures.

“Our design fosters a continuous dialogue between the built environment and the natural world,” SAOTA remarks.

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Innovative Structural Elements

A standout feature is the roof over the deck, constructed with a steel structure cantilevering from the reinforced concrete slab. A steel ring beam creates a cut-out, while the remaining roof is clad in aluminum panels. Visible steel sections give the illusion of a thin roof, with reinforced concrete beams set back to remain unseen from below.

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“This structural approach allowed us to achieve a sleek, minimalist aesthetic without compromising on strength or functionality,” the architects explain.

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Material Palette and Interior Design

Materials were selected to evoke a calm, contemplative atmosphere. Pale colors reflect light throughout the spaces, enhancing the home’s casual elegance. Polished porcelain tiles provide seamless continuity, while ‘Duco’ joinery and walnut-clad cantilevered treads add subtle sophistication.
Architizer

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The interior design, executed by ARRCC, complements the architectural vision with minimalist styling, textured fabrics, and a neutral color palette accented by vibrant pieces.

SEE MORE: Atlantic Fields by SDH Studio, A Modern Retreat in Hobe Sound’s Natural Landscape

Conclusion

First Crescent by SAOTA exemplifies the fusion of minimalist design with the natural beauty of Cape Town’s landscape. Through innovative solutions and a keen eye for detail, the residence offers a harmonious living experience that is both functional and aesthetically captivating.

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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