Creativity and Originality Key to Global Growth

Legendary architectural firm SAOTA, established in Cape Town, is now a world-recognised for being to imagine what others cannot. The creativity flowing from this industry leader is helping to remind that South Africa is a design and innovation centre of the world, and can contribute in no small way on the global playing field.

Sometimes you know something is special, not because of the way it looks or how much it costs, but because of the feeling it gives you. To achieve this the only common element – whether its art, food, property, fashion, music, or something else – is creativity. Using the mind, harnessing imagination, generating ideas to solve a problem, however creativity occurs, nothing can be special without it.

In architecture, creativity is indispensable. According to Einstein, it’s about ‘seeing what other see and thinking what no one else ever thought’. When creating original ideas for property, without a creative mind, there will be no uniqueness. And that is what people pay for.

In South Africa, Stefan Antoni established his architectural firm which is now SAOTA based on the delivery of creativity above all else. In fact, there’s a popular story about the construction of the company’s head office in sunny Cape Town where the designs had been completed and construction was underway. Contractors arrived with cranes to complete the installation of a special roof. But Antoni halted progress. He saw that the roof would partially close off views of Table Mountain – not an option for the creative. He redesigned the concept and scrapped the old roof – at cost – to ensure the team at SAOTA would always have the best, uninterrupted view of Cape Town’s jewel.

Obviously, creativity cannot be tamed or shackled; it cannot be obscured or masked. For creativity to thrive, there has to be a hands-off approach, one which allows the imagination to run wild, with quality end product in mind rather than numbers and spreadsheets.

This is why SAOTA has been so successful and how it has grown out of South Africa to become a powerful player in international markets, boasting some of the most sought-after minds in the world, and counting some of the most beautiful and acclaimed properties in its portfolio.

WORLDS FINEST

In South Africa, SAOTA is the practice behind the Ocean View Drive (OVD) 919 building in Bantry Bay tucked neatly behind Lion’s Head with views out across the South Atlantic, over to Robben Island, up to the 12 Apostles, and through Camps Bay.

The 5000m² home claimed the 2016 Architizer award and the 2016 Lafarge Artevia Decorative Concrete Award in its size category. When marketed in 2016 a Germany family fell in love with the views and space and the sale made R290 million – then the most expensive home on the continent.

Linear concrete structures act as frames for the various views around the property, and the openness allows the nature of the cliffside position to creep into the space. Riveted into the land between hilltop and sea, this famous space is perhaps the crowing SAOTA project in the Cape depending on your views around creativity.

Some look at Kloof House, also in Cape Town, looking over the city bowl as a true display of creativity. Unlike any other building in the region, this large development is designed to take in the most of the surrounding landscape and has a spectacular clerestory-type roof that allows light and dark into the space. Arranged across three levels, each floor has access to gardens or courtyard, and the hillside pool allows for water to be connected with greenery. This is a signature of SAOTA and allows clients that feeling of connection to nature. A pool like this, and a rooftop made in this way are not necessary, but the creativity on show highlights a company that is not willing to compromise on delivering special.

But then SAOTA’s Buffelsdrift project, more traditional and complex than OVD 919 or Kloof House, is for some the epitome of creativity. On a site with a number of Cape Dutch buildings made from traditional materials using heritage methods, SAOTA was part of a team that handled restoration of the farm in the heart of the productive agricultural area of Ladismith in the Western Cape.

The main house and the wine store were refurbished to immaculate standards, bringing SAOTA two fresh awards – the 2021 CIfA Award for Architecture and the 2022 Corobrick SAIA Award of Merit.

“The design of the project was inspired by the surrounding landscape, with a focus on using natural materials and creating a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The buildings were built from locally sourced stone and timber, and the large windows and open-plan design allow for ample natural light and stunning views of the surrounding mountains,” the company said.

GLOBALLY RECOGNISED

SAOTA is one of the few modern SA-born companies to truly and successfully expand its brand beyond South Africa’s borders. It’s excellence in delivery and quality client experience is well-documented, but it is likely the level of creativity present in the business which has allowed it to garner such a widespread reputation.

In July 2023, the company had two projects shortlisted for awards at the World Architecture Festival (WAF). Firstly, in the category of Future Project Leisure-Led Development, the Wuxi Film Club project in China was nominated for excellence, drawing inspiration from a Hollywood landscape where architectural elements unfold like a movie plot.

Secondly, the Silver Mountain project in the Aspen Hills, has been recognised as a finalist in the Future Project House category. Here, the company again pulls inspiration from nature and designed the slanted roof structure to line up with the mountain range from which it projects.

“We look forward to participating in the festival and showcasing our innovative designs alongside other exceptional projects from across the globe,” SAOTA says.

From west to east, SAOTA is busy with exciting initiatives. This level of expansion would not be possible without the inventive minds of the people within SAOTA; after all, you cannot create without creativity.

“Our most active city markets at the moment are Dubai and Miami,” said SAOTA Principal Philip Olmesdahl. “We started working in Dubai in 2010 and have since been involved in over 80 projects in the city, of which 13 are located on Palm Jumeirah and five on Frond G – a stretch of land known as Billionaires’ Row. We are excited to be working in a booming market and in such an iconic landscape. With projects on multiple continents, we design buildings for diverse contexts, sites, and climates – aspects that are core to our design ethos.”

In Dubai, the Casa Del Sole – a villa on the Palm Jumeriah was sold recently for $82 million (R1.47 billion). Designed by SAOTA, the building is now one of the most expensive homes ever sold in Dubai, despite not being finished. Expected to complete soon, the property is vast and calls on the brightest minds from design, style, construction, and finishing. Using the finest materials from around the world, this is a statement just as much as a luxury home. It answers the question of why SAOTA? Why pay more? In this realm in Dubai, you could easily spend less and still have a deluxe property that would make almost all jealous. But why go that extra few inches and spend that little bit more? To unlock true creativity. To be exclusive. To be amongst the elite of the world’s buildings. To push boundaries.

This forward-thinking approach is something that will not stop as SAOTA is already designing the future by onboarding a team of ambitious young interns who spent time across all SAOTA departments learning how the company operates and promotes innovation.

“SAOTA’s intern program isn’t just about introducing fresh minds to the field of architecture; it’s about fostering an environment where curiosity flourishes, creativity is nurtured, and collaboration creates magic,” the company said.

As the company passes its enthusiastic creativity to the next generation, the focus on unleashing imagination will be at the heart of this business and helping to further cement South Africa as a destination recognised for originality and ingenuity. 

“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in our hands to make a difference,” said a famous South African, and he knew all about creativity.