This project is a new residence located overlooking Bancroft Bay. The design had its challenges with three mature trees located centrally as well as a slope across the site. This reduced the area available for building to enable the trees to be maintained in good health. The house is also located on a Southern slope with views to the South East which also affects its sun access.
The design of the house centres around a courtyard that provides Northern light to the living areas as well as creating an area that can be used for entertaining. The courtyard has access to the northern sun as well as shelter from the occasional strong winds from the water side.
The building has a separate guest wing with a bathroom, the main bedroom is upstairs with water views and privacy.
The building is a low rectilinear form that seeks to nestle the building within its surroundings and to allow the trees to be prominent on approach. The building has a central corridor from the entry to a full-height window that orients towards the view. The first-floor cantilevers over the ground-floor living area to create visual tension. The lounge area is sunken below the main house level to follow the contours of the site while also having an extra high ceiling that brings in light and views towards the water.
The materials palette is restrained with earthy tones of grey and whites with timber accents throughout.
