South African Architects Design Line of Floating Villas Worth R450m

South African architectural firms, SAOTA and ARRCC, have designed futuristic floating villas that will take to the water at the end of the year.

By Diana Muringo on
17th May 2021

In collaboration with ADMARES, a Finnish group and world leader in alternative real estate, these two architectural firms are bringing the future now. ADMARES is popular for its floating hotels and villas that can be seen in the Dubai Canal and other parts of the world. ADMARES enlisted these two South African architectural firms to come on board with the projects. 

SAOTA is an award-winning and international architectural studio whose distinctive and innovative work on modern residential projects is unique and easily recognizable. The ARRCC is also an acclaimed studio specializing in interior design, interior architecture, and decor that redefines laid-back luxury. 

Philip Olmesdahl, SAOTA director, also said that this was an exciting project to be a part of. He stated that SAOTA was able to design a villa that reflected the unique preference of the owner while still retaining the expansive characteristic and ease of living SAOTA is popular for. 

These two firms came together to design the floating villa prototype that boasts two floors and six bathrooms. Other features also on this project include an infinity pool on deck, a split rock face faced adorned with water features and tropical plants, and a “pajama lounge.” 

The villa will have huge rectangular windows stretching along the length of the villa to create a seamless connection with the surrounding ocean. The interiors are just as impressive, featuring designer decor and furnishings with curved organic shapes that mimic the ocean's rippling. 

The best part is that these floating villas are sustainable and self-sufficient. Solar power is big on these villas and will sustain them fully. The villas have solar thermal collectors that heat the interior spaces when the outdoor temperatures drop. They also have seawater cooling systems to circulate cool air whenever it’s hot. 

According to ADMARES, these luxurious villas are not intended for the open sea. They can, however, be docked at any waterfront location, especially where the water is calm. The walkways are connected to the mainland, and the villa can draw grid power when they are in port. 

Joni Rantasalo, ADMARES Marketing Director, stated that the floating villas were not country-specific but global. “We are aiming to have the first construction agreements in hand during 2021. These luxury villas will sell starting from $30m (R447.9m) depending on development location and customization level,” he said.

Photo: Floating Villa (admares.com)

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