South African architects Saota are an established force in the market for upscale, contemporary, single family houses. They are popular for their modernist-inspired approach, which fuses strong connections between indoor and outdoor living. Now the Cape Town-based practice has just completed its first offering across the ocean – Stradella, a newly renovated villa in Los Angeles’ Bel Air.
The project was a contemporary reintepretation of an existing 1970s residence. The client requested a modern home that would be more in line with the region’s renowned modernist styles; yet the original structure was awash with Spanish references. The architects got straight to work, stripping down the existing decor and ornamentation, and keeping just the structural bare bones – its timber skeleton.
From there, they rebuilt it with Californian Modernism in mind, and in particular, references to the famous Case Study Houses programme of the 1940s, 50s and 60s. The internal gutting and reconfiguration also significantly increased the internal surface of the home, giving the architects the opportunity to redirect its vistas.
Now, the house turns its back slightly to the street and main entrance pathway, for privacy reasons, while opening up towards the LA skyline panorama beyond the rear of the plot. Richly landscaped outdoor spaces roll out from the house, seamlessly connecting inside and outside with paved terraces, a swimming pool and planting.
The residence spans three levels. The ground floor features all the main living spaces, including open-plan kitchen and dining spaces and several living rooms – such as formal and informal lounges and meeting rooms – that spill out to the al fresco sitting and entertainment area. A generous, modern staircase leads up to the top floor, which houses several private family and guest rooms, such as the bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and walk-in wardrobes. The basement is reserved for the spa and gym, while also including facilities and staff areas.
Combining all the mod-cons for contemporary living while offering a modernist feel rooted in the region’s architectural history, this residence has it all. Cosy family spaces and luxurious interiors are not forgotten, but it’s immersion in the surrounding landscape is impressive with open terraces offering residents views of the full Los Angeles cityscape, from Downtown to the mountains beyond Century City. §
The project is the firm's first foray into the Los Angeles residential schene.
The client wanted a contemporary style for their residence, so the architects stripped down the structure to its bare bones and erased all traces of its original Spanish influences.
Now, the house features a minimalist aesthetic and is orientated towards the open views beyond the grounds of the property.
For privacy reasons, the structure turns its back to the main road.
Inside, the architects designed the space with a nod to Californian Modernism, referencing the Case Study Houses.
Warm and natural material tones throughout offset the large expanses of glazing, creating a welcoming home.
A generous staircase leads up to the top floor, where the bedrooms are located.
INFORMATION
For more information visit the website of SAOTA
-
What is the role of fragrance in contemporary culture, asks a new exhibition at 10 Corso ComoMilan concept store 10 Corso Como has partnered with London creative agency System Preferences to launch Olfactory Projections 01
-
Jack White's Third Man Records opens a Paris pop-upJack White's immaculately-branded record store will set up shop in the 9th arrondissement this weekend
-
Designer Marta de la Rica’s elegant Madrid studio is full of perfectly-pitched contradictionsThe studio, or ‘the laboratory’ as de la Rica and her team call it, plays with colour, texture and scale in eminently rewarding ways
-
Explore the Perry Estate, a lesser-known Arthur Erickson project in CanadaThe Perry estate – a residence and studio built for sculptor Frank Perry and often visited by his friend Bill Reid – is now on the market in North Vancouver
-
This Rocky Mountains house is a ski-lover's dream escapeBozeman, a Rocky Mountains house by Pearson Design Group and Frederick Tang Architecture, is a contemporary retreat that sits low in its natural, Montana setting
-
Take a deep dive into The Palm Springs School ahead of the region’s Modernism WeekNew book ‘The Palm Springs School: Desert Modernism 1934-1975’ is the ultimate guide to exploring the midcentury gems of California, during Palm Springs Modernism Week 2025 and beyond
-
Meet Minnette de Silva, the trailblazing Sri Lankan modernist architectSri Lankan architect Minnette de Silva is celebrated in a new book by author Anooradha Iyer Siddiq, who looks into the modernist's work at the intersection of ecology, heritage and craftsmanship
-
A wavy roof tops this sophisticated take on a backyard cabin in CaliforniaThis Californian Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) by Spiegel Aihara Workshop (SAW), offers an aesthetic and functional answer to housing shortages and multigenerational family living
-
Palm Springs Modernism Week 2025: let the desert architecture party beginPalm Springs Modernism Week 2025 launches on 13 February, marking the popular annual desert event’s 20th anniversary, celebrated this year through more midcentury marvels than ever
-
On the shores of Discovery Bay, this wooden house is the ultimate waterside retreatDekleva Gregorič’s Discovery Bay House is a structured yet organic shelter that blends perfectly into the surrounding Pacific Northwest landscape
-
The 10 emerging American Midwest architects you need to knowWe profile 10 emerging American Midwest architects shaking up the world of architecture - in their territory, and beyond
