ARCHELLO YOUR CONNECTION WITH ARCHITECTURE

An existing 1940’s house with a spectacular setting on a ridgeline overlooking the ocean has been transformed into a generous contemporary house that opens to the view. The closed form of the existing brick dwelling was opened up and another storey added. A new wing creates an “L” shaped plan which captures the eastern views out to sea from all parts of the house. The lineal plan of the existing house was reinforced with a horizontal striation of materials and a dramatically cantilevered concrete roof. A palette of natural materials is used throughout the building, with elements such as stone and timber carried from outside to inside. The new wing of the building creates a sheltered outdoor space around the pool which opens to the northern aspect and encompasses the view. This wing is lower than the main house and mediates the bulk of this structure. It is also “open” in character with full height glass windows and doors that can slide away and fully expose the kitchen and rumpus room to the outside. The advantage of sliding doors is that they can be opened incrementally in windy conditions. Louvres have been installed for similar reasons. The new open wing is in contrast to the older sections of the house which maintain a more enclosed, solid character, with composed “punched” openings. The building thus opens and lightens the closer one gets to the escarpment and the view. The new concrete roof has large cantilevers which provide both sun protection and a sense of horizontality to the form of the building. A raw materiality is captured in a palette of natural materials.