A guiding principle of the design was to promote
the well-being of all members of the family, creating an environment of peace
and tranquillity. With an abundance of natural light and sunshine, the spaces
are interwoven with nature through the use of courtyards, skylights, glazed
openings and garden. The double height
circulation space allows connectedness of spaces whilst still retaining their
privacy.
Having no expansive external views, the house
creates its own vistas and depth of field through the use of permeable spaces
which connect to landscape. These spaces are designed to capture different
qualities of natural light, creating a moving tapestry as the house responds to
the shifting sunlight.
The main house embodies solidity, reliability,
dependability – it is a place of safety providing a protective anchor for the
lighter elements. A timber box is held
lightly within the solidity of the curving concrete form, and is separated by a
glass light well that extends through the centre of the house. The finely
slatted box in the form of a cocoon provides a resting place for the children.