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are pushed forward, with ancillary spaces
– the study, laundry, all the bathrooms and
circulation spaces – at the rear.”
There are two ways to enter the house,
via the garage and elevator, or through the
main entrance to the right of the garage.
The substantial front door opens to stairs
leading directly up to the living spaces.
“Positioned in a double-height space,
the stairway has sheer white walls that
rise up on both sides. This blinkers the
view until you reach the top of the stairs,
at the rear of the living spaces. From here,

a single glance takes in the sweep of the
estuary and the expansive living spaces –
the impact is dramatic.”
An architectural “bite” out of the front
facade breaks up the house visually. This
forms an outdoor patio on the middle
level, accessible on three sides from the
living spaces. Set back in the building
envelope, the alfresco area is protected
from the wind on two sides. An operable
shutter roof provides shelter from the rain.
This element also performs a key role
on the interior, the architect says. On the

top floor, the recess separates the master
suite on one side from children’s bedrooms and a guest suite on the other.
Although set on high, in an exposed
position, the house has been built to maximise warmth and comfort. Insulation has
been applied on the outside of the concrete block support walls. This means the
thermal mass of the blockwork can readily
absorb and store heat during the day and
release it into the interior at night when
temperatures drop. The house is also
served by solar hot water heating.

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