The planning complexities placed many restrictions on the scale, shape and position of a structure that could be built on the site. Instead of adopting a safe design to comply, we used these constraints as our creative fuel to push the boundaries of what quality contemporary housing can look like on an existing streetscape. We responded to the site’s orientation and relationship with the surrounding homes, working with the natural slopes of the site to create a three-storey home, but with a 1.5 storey façade to complement the existing streetscape.

The fully glazed façade floods the property with natural light and allows for passive heating due to it’s south facing orientation. The primary garden space is also positioned to the front of the house to enjoy the southernly aspect, but at a sunken level for privacy and to create a micro-climate for tropical planting. Six and a half meter sliding doors create a seamless connection between the main open plan living space and outdoor area.

Internally, the home is finished in a “Japandi” style with a focus on textures to add decoration. Concealed, and oversized, doors add a playful element to the home and a sense of journey and discovery can be felt as you move through. An upside-down layout was adopted to position the main living areas on the bright upper south facing floors.  Bedrooms were located on the lower floors, shaded from the midday sun, to provide natural cooling during the summer months.