Located in Glen Iris, the brief for this new home was to break with current local trends for boxy hard exteriors and create an interpretative weatherboard with modern liveability and reflective detailing of the character of older homes, which the clients loved. With the site reversed in terms of desirable passive orientations, the design included clever light and landscape courts, an elevated large front verandah ‘room’ overlooking the local park and promoted a variety of entertaining zones for all family members. The owners remain delighted with the character of their elevated retreat and have not yet tired of the number of ‘off the street enquiries’ about colour and design.