Situated on a cliffside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Cliff House in Dakar, Senegal was completed in 2011.

The family home, designed for a Senegalese businessman, is built on the site of a World War Two bunker. Part of the bunker has been retained and houses an underground cinema that opens up into a water courtyard / moat. It is connected to the house via a timber panelled walkway leading to a spiral staircase that runs through the villa.

The ground floor, with seamless indoor / outdoor living, is arranged in an L shape around the pool and garden. The Living and Dining spaces cantilever over the Ocean, enjoying panoramic views. The Kitchen, garage and staff facilities run along the northern side of the boundary. On entering, one moves past the sculptural circular stair, to the Entertainment Room and double-volume Family Lounge which connects up with a floating stair to the upper level Pyjama Lounge. The family’s bedrooms are on this level.

The Main Bedroom Suite opens up onto a large terrace and the Main Bathroom opens into a private garden with outdoor shower. A separate block houses the study/office, guest room, private gym and reflecting pond.

The modernist exterior is counter-balanced with the use of warm, textured materials and finishes. Contrast is created between different finishes; natural timber decks and panelling, granite internal floors, beaten and polished stainless steel, rough cut quarry-stone and smooth marble. The contemporary architecture prescribed a modern approach to the interior. An eclectic mix of internationally branded furniture as well as bespoke pieces was sourced through OKHA Interiors. Throughout the villa, modern works of art, adorn the space and the combined result is decidedly sleek and dramatic.