Perched above the fairways of Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate, the award-winning Upside Down House challenges conventional residential design by elevating everyday living to the upper level, where uninterrupted panoramic views become part of daily life. Conceived by Drew Architects, the residence was inspired by the site's expansive northern outlook, resulting in a bold architectural response that places entertainment spaces, the primary suite and family living areas above the landscape while positioning guest and family accommodation within a more secluded garden level below.

Recipient of the Residence of the Year 2025, SAIA Award of Excellence 2026, and PIA Award for Architecture 2025, the Upside Down House stands as a landmark example of modern South African residential design—an architectural masterpiece that celebrates light, landscape and the art of living elevated above the ordinary.

When the data aligns with lifestyle—how far would you go to call this property a home?

Courtesy: Experience This Property with CCH + Design by Drew Architects

Style: Contemporary Modern
Completed: 2024
Current Asking Price (2026): R36,000,000
Price per m²: R41,379

The home's architectural language is defined by a striking balance between solidity and transparency. A robust concrete base anchors the structure to the earth, while the upper volume is wrapped in elegant vertical aluminium fins that filter sunlight, provide privacy and create a distinctive sculptural presence. Inside, polished concrete floors, engineered oak, raw steel detailing and custom timber ceilings establish a sophisticated material palette that feels both refined and enduring. Expansive double-glazed sliding doors disappear completely into concealed cavities, dissolving the boundary between interior and exterior living spaces.

Beyond its visual impact, the residence represents a masterclass in climate-responsive design. Carefully calculated overhangs, thermal-mass concrete floors, compartmentalised living zones, photovoltaic energy systems and high-performance glazing ensure year-round comfort while minimising energy consumption. Combined with indigenous landscaping, a resort-style pool, sunken boma, luxury cinema, wine room and seven-car garaging, the Upside Down House delivers a rare fusion of architectural innovation, sustainability and effortless contemporary living.

Architectural Intelligence

Design Philosophy:
An inverted living concept that elevates daily activities toward views, sunlight and openness while creating private, sheltered accommodation below.

Signature Feature:
A dramatic upper-level living pavilion wrapped in vertical aluminium screening, creating a lantern-like effect after dark.

Material Palette:
Exposed concrete, engineered oak flooring, raw steel detailing, aluminium fins, acoustic timber ceilings and high-performance glazing.

Environmental Strategy:
Passive solar orientation, thermal-mass flooring, double glazing, compartmentalised climate zones, solar generation and battery storage systems.

Entertainment Features:
Luxury wine room, cinema room with professional JBL theatre system, braai lounge, resort-style pool, outdoor boma and multiple entertainment terraces.

Garage Capacity:
7 Vehicles plus golf cart storage.

Technology:
Savant home automation, distributed audio/video systems, automated blinds, whole-home Wi-Fi infrastructure and integrated smart controls.

Estate Positioning:
One of Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate's most architecturally significant contemporary residences, overlooking championship golf fairways and protected greenbelt landscapes.

KeyPrice Architectural Rating

Overall KeyPrice Architectural Score: ⭐ 9.8 / 10 – Ultra Elite Collection.

Contractor: Zabicon

Interiors: Cocoa Bean Interiors

Photographer: Sarah de Pina