This new house is built on a tight urban site, perched on the edge of a cliff 100metres above the ocean and facing due north. The design fits a compact 250m2 house for a family with 2 young children on a site of 556m2, between a 4 –storey apartment block and a large new house.

The primary challenge on this site was to achieve privacy from neighbouring dwellings, create a useable garden, and to maximise the stunning views, northern aspect and sea breezes.

The form of the house is defined by a series of distinct planes and surfaces. High masonry blade walls define the edges of the building reflecting the different angles and contours of the site and direct movement through the living rooms. The spaces on the ground floor are fluid and open-ended, the vertical walls, kitchen bench-top and tiled floor draw the eye northward to the view, where the building widens and southward to the walled garden, where the site narrows.

The geometry of the wedge shaped site has been reinforced by the building, following the logic of containment of the private garden and openness towards the northern sun, views, light and breezes.

The horizontal planes of floor and roof are equally important in directing the internal spaces toward the view, reflecting light and drawing the eye beyond the physical boundaries of the building, opening up to the sky and sea.

Contribution The main living areas of the house are designed to link the garden space with the ocean and to take advantage of the geometry of the block, which widens towards the cliffs’ edge.

Careful placement of structural walls, high-level glazing and roof form has created a generous living room with an abundance of natural light, ventilation, privacy and spectacular views.

The house uses the block in the most efficient way, by keeping the plan simple, functional and free of superfluous space.

This house provides the owners with relaxed and beautiful spaces to live in, entertain and appreciate the natural world beyond. The house and garden are easy to inhabit, make the best use of the block, and function extremely economically in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability.

Context It was important to the clients to maintain as much garden as possible and to provide functional and safe outdoor entertaining areas. By keeping the main two storey component of the house aligned with the eastern boundary and keeping the roof flat, we minimised overshadowing of the garden and neighbour.

The materials selected are robust and low-maintenance due to the proximity of the house to the ocean.

The palette of materials has been deliberately kept minimal and neutral, to blend in with the tones of the sandstone cliff, reflect heat and provide respite from the dazzling view.

Allied Disciplines The usual plethora of consultants, for a small residential project, was engaged on this project. Including: structural engineer, hydraulic engineer, energy rating, landscape designer, building certifier and builder.

The architects coordinated all the consultants and were engaged throughout the project. The architects were responsible for all the interior design, including joinery, kitchen, bathrooms and selection of finishes both inside and out, working closely with the clients to achieve a house that reflects their lifestyle, taste and requirements.