This project was commissioned by repeat clients. When the first house was completed for them in 2007, they had one 2 year old child. When we sat down to discuss their new house in 2017, there were now three children. So, a new family home was required. The property which has become their new home is perfectly situated, facing due north and surrounded by two storey project homes. The site falls away from the street, which prompted the idea to “bury” the house into the landscape, allowing the whole structure to be on one level. While the eastern side of the house is part of the landscape the northern ends of the pavilions rise above the ground towards the sunlight.

The entry sequence deliberately funnels and compresses the approach to the house towards a grand entry door, once opened revealing the central light-filled courtyard. The house is made up of two pavilions along the side boundaries, housing the private bedroom spaces, and connected by the public living/dining/kitchen space. This arrangement forms a central courtyard which is the focus of all the public and private spaces, and contains a swimming pool and landscaped lawns stepping down to the north.