Trends New Zealand Trends Volume 31 No 1 New Zealand | Page 50

Preceding pages: With timber decks and a swimming pool flush with the interior, the boundaries between inside and out are blurred. Stepping stones lead across the pool to the lawn and the century-old rain trees that provide welcome shade. Above: A sculptural staircase is a defining part of the interior architecture. It helps to screen the living room from the entry. 48 As with all new houses designed by Ong&Ong, the home has a close connection with the landscape. “Blurring the transition between inside and out is a trademark of our residential architecture,” says Arango. “We always like to emphasise the tropicality of our projects. Removing the barriers between inside and out also makes the spaces feel much larger.” search | save | share at trendsideas.com The architect says the owners can enjoy the landscape more readily when there is a seamless flow between the interior and outdoors. “It is not the same looking out through glass,” she says. “With the doors open, it’s also possible to create cross ventilation, so the breezes pass through the house, doing away with the need for constant air conditioning.” White marble floors feature throughout the ground floor. These flow out to teak decks and a long lap pool with a Jacuzzi at one end – on the other side of a stepping stone bridge that leads to the lawn and the rain trees. An imported Japanese bonsai tree and a large sculpture that echoes the form of the spiral staircase are additional focal points in the landscape.