This house was designed to achieve optimum privacy while allowing a southern aspect for all the living accommodation . The client wished to enjoy an open plan living area on the ground level with compact sleeping quarters on the first level. A gallery was introduced to make a visual connection between the levels, so both could enjoy the southern court and water feature. Materials such as vertical panels of “tecu” bronze and stone were used on the front northern elevation with small apertures, while large open glazing was utilized at the rear facing the private garden.

This 3240sq ft. house was built on two levels, on a 0.2137ha site. It is designed using a procession of spaces from a starkly designed front northern elevation with small apertures from the public front garden through to a southern private lit filled court with a water feature. Views to the court are designed into the floor plan. The open plan kitchen, living and dining areas can enjoy the southern aspect of the court through large glass openings and sliding doors.

The front elevation uses a variety of materials including stone to the left-hand side of the entrance and a bronze vertical cladding on the right-hand side of the entrance. A carefully designed link connects the two-storey element, on one axis, with the one-story element on an orthogonal axis. The junction is designed simply. A two-storey gallery connects the upper level with the lower living area offering an open landing area which can be used as an office or a quiet space.