- Project Name: Wave Villa
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Architecture & Interior Design: ARRCC
- Lead Designers: Jon Case, Clive Schulze
- Photography: Greg Cox
Located on Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard at the base of Lion’s Head, Wave Villa is a striking architectural transformation by ARRCC. While maintaining the existing footprint, the firm completely reimagined the home’s structure and interiors, introducing a fluid, open-plan design that seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor spaces with breathtaking ocean vistas. At the heart of this reinvention is a sculptural, undulating cast-in-situ concrete roof that appears to float above the main living space, supported by a steel framework and high-level wraparound windows.
Spatial Composition and Design Concept
The residence is organized into two primary wings: the living and entertainment areas, and the private sleeping quarters. The upper level maximizes panoramic sea views, featuring an open-plan lounge and dining area that extends onto a terrace through expansive floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Below, the lower level houses three guest bedrooms, staff quarters, a gym, a study, a games room, and a secondary lounge that seamlessly merges with the pool terrace. The master suite is situated on the upper level of the second wing, offering a secluded retreat with unparalleled vistas.
The Architectural Statement: A Roof Inspired by Nature
From the street, only glimpses of the dynamic roofline are visible, hinting at the bold design within. The sculptural roof takes inspiration from the undulating waves of the ocean and the surrounding mountains, creating both aesthetic and functional advantages. Internally, the ceiling rises above clerestory windows, framing captivating views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head while allowing natural light to flood the interiors. At the front, the roofline extends upwards, drawing in sky views and enhancing the home’s relationship with its natural surroundings.
A Harmonious Blend of Light, Space, and Materiality
The upper-level living space has been transformed into a luminous pavilion, designed for fluid connectivity between the garden and the ocean-facing terrace. Perforated sliding metal screens regulate sunlight, casting dynamic patterns across the interiors while providing privacy and solar control. A sculptural “orange peel” staircase serves as both a functional and artistic element, linking the living and bedroom wings and featuring a custom-designed pendant light installation.
A restrained yet rich material palette enhances the sensory experience of the home. Light oak paneling on ceilings, walls, and floors introduces warmth and texture, while exposed concrete elements provide a striking contrast. Locally sourced Cape Granite further integrates the villa into its dramatic mountainside setting.
A Bespoke Experience: Thoughtful Details and Custom Elements
The design seamlessly integrates bespoke elements throughout the home. The kitchen overlooks the pool terrace and ocean beyond, while an adjacent outdoor garden nestles into the mountainside. A custom bar area, composed of Cape Granite, timber, brass, and copper, embodies a refined aesthetic. In the master suite, the roof has been subtly lifted to maximize views, reinforcing the villa’s deep connection to the landscape.
ARRCC’s intervention has not only elevated the architectural language of Wave Villa but also enhanced its symbiotic relationship with nature. This bold, sculptural renovation stands as a testament to contemporary coastal living, where design, light, and landscape converge in a harmonious interplay.
