Trends New Zealand NZ New Home Trends Vol. 30/4 | Page 46

“Essentially, the house has a duality, – it forms a dialogue between the two. A rectilinear circulation spine and stair tower address the built environment to the west, while sweeping roof forms and decks play off the natural environment and the curves of the dunes.” The house comprises two main pods, one accommodating the living areas and several bedrooms, and the other housing the master suite. Bridges link rooms on different levels, with one bridge leading to the top of a circular lookout tower. 44 Sparks says the dimensions of the site determined a north-south axis, which meant all spaces could enjoy the view to the east. “However, the nature of the site offered a far richer experience than simply the big ocean view,” the architect says. “The house provides a series of viewing platforms, stretched along the length of the site and stacked through the various layers of vegetation. “The lower levels very much engage with the undercroft of the banksias and search | save | share at my.trendsideas.com melaleucas, and the wildlife of the pond. As you move up through the building the experience changes. At the middle level you look through the tree canopy; on the upper level you look over it to the ocean; and finally, when you reach the lookout nest, you can see the entire coastline.” The expansive use of glass, including clerestories, maximises these outlooks. “The curved roofs sweep up, echoing the rise and fall of the vegetation, and the walls beneath these roofs are glazed, as are the roofs of the tower elements.”