Montrose House, Modernist Pavilion in Bishopscourt by SAOTA

Date of Publishing: May 24, 2024

Contents

Architecture Design of Montrose House

Description About The Project

Montrose House designed by SAOTA, perched high on the ridge of Bishopscourt in Cape Town situated on a unique site created by demolishing an existing structure. The property is divided by a steeply ascending driveway from the end of a cul-de-sac. The new building, designed as a pavilion, commands a prominent position overlooking lawns and a forested valley.

The clients had specific requirements: the house needed to face the Constantia Valley and distant False Bay, capturing the dramatic mountain views above Kirstenbosch. Additionally, they aimed to maximize the garden and lawn areas. To achieve this, the driveway was relocated to the southern boundary, opening up the lawns and gardens to sunlight and mountain views. The bedrooms and living rooms offer panoramic vistas to the south and west, while the pool and terraces are situated on the north-east side in a courtyard protected from the Southeaster gales by the house’s intersecting linear forms.

The triangular shape of the site, combined with its elevation above the street and steep incline, necessitated extensive excavation and retaining walls. This allowed for an acceptable driveway gradient, a large building platform on one level, and garden terraces all around.

Architecturally, the main features include a double-winged roof floating above the bedroom wing and virtually glass-enclosed living rooms. These are complemented by secondary elements such as the cantilevered end of the main entrance feature wall, the floating stone-clad fireplace, continuous perimeter cantilever terraces for the bedrooms, and the wrap-around cantilever eyebrow.

Finishes include polished granite floors, no carpets, no curtains, and a floating feature roof with clerestory lighting. The clients preferred a sleek modernist environment with a distinct northern European flair. The imported light grey granite floor slabs establish a color palette of cool greys, offering a refreshing departure from prevailing trends.

The Architecture Design Project Information:

Project Name: Montrose House
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Designed by: SAOTA

Montrose House, Modernist Pavilion in Bishopscourt by SAOTA

Located high on the ridge, overlooking lawns and a forested valley.

Panoramic Views: Orientation towards the Constantia Valley, distant False Bay, and dramatic views of the mountains above Kirstenbosch.

The Montrose House Gallery:

Text by the Architects: High on the ridge of Bishopscourt in Cape Town, this unique site resulted from the demolition of an existing house. The site was divided by the existing driveway, which rose steeply from the end of the cul-de-sac below. The new building’s form, perched as it is in a commanding position, was perceived from the outset to be a pavilion overlooking the lawns and the forested valley below.

Photo credit: Wieland Gleich | Source: SAOTA

For more information about this project; please contact the Architecture firm :
– Add: 109 Hatfield Street, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
– Tel: +27 21 468 4400
– Email: info@saota.com/ tenillep@saota.com