• Architecture Feature by AHJ – 2025 •
By Himan J.

This Lagoon Villa in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire dissolves boundaries between interior and exterior through its meticulously planned transitional spaces, creating a dialogue with the natural environment.

The villa’s response to West Africa’s tropical climate manifests through deep overhangs and expansive sliding doors, while facilitating passive ventilation and natural light penetration.

Shaded interior volumes provide thermal refuge while maintaining visual connectivity to the landscape.

SAOTA Project Team: Greg Truen, Roxanne Kaye, Adrian Monger, Boitumelo Manala, Caylin Sprighton, Darren Rodgers
AOR: Charles E. Haj Architects
Interior Designer: @claudemissir.interiors
Photographer: @adamletchfoto

Location: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

About the Firm,
Based in Cape Town, SAOTA, a leading firm of architects, is driven by the dynamic combination of Stefan Antoni, Philip Olmesdahl, Greg Truen, Phillippe Fouché, Mark Bullivant, Roxanne Kaye, Logen Gordon, Dani Reimers and Dominik George who share a potent vision easily distinguished in their practices.

This, paired with both an innovative and dedicated approach to the design, documentation and execution of projects globally, has seen SAOTA become an internationally sought-after brand.

SAOTA has a global footprint with projects on six continents. We have a clear understanding of the place of design in the world and how to deliver architectural projects in diverse markets.