The site is located in a quiet cul-de-sac in an established area of Mount Eliza, where a large parcel of land was subdivided to create an opportunity for a new home amongst more established neighbors.  The site gently falls from west to east, with unimpeded access to northern sunlight throughout the day.

The brief from the owners was to shield the house away from the south facing street frontage and open up a private sanctuary to the north, where the dwelling could seamlessly connect with a secluded landscaped courtyard.  The experience of the rear landscaped courtyard was to be only revealed upon entering through the front door, with little clues offered to what lies beyond from the street frontage itself -effectively a refuge against the outside world.

The requirement for privacy suggested by the initial brief informed the idea of the residence wrapping around and enclosing a rear courtyard, resulting in the horseshoe shaped central courtyard.  This courtyard becomes a focal point both when initially entering the house, but also from all living, dining and kitchens spaces, as well as the master bedroom.

Floor to ceiling glazed windows and doors have been implemented throughout, along with the horizontal projecting planes of the roof and floor – to blur the threshold between inside and outside, enhancing connectivity between the dwelling and the landscape.

The idea of a private sanctuary has been reinforced by the use of concrete in floor, wall and roof planes as a solid grounding and shielding material that offers a sense of tranquility and silence internally.  The use of timber batten cladding to walls and timber flooring provides softening aesthetically in contrast to the concrete.

The notions of light and silence are enhanced by the combination of concrete as a prominent material, and the transient light and shadow effects of the sunlight throughout the day – providing a serene and contemplative environment.

Projecting concrete eaves moderate the sunlight entering the internal spaces throughout the day and also act as a sun dial, where different areas experience direct sunlight and shadowing throughout each day.  This is a trait the owners have become accustomed to, choosing to occupy differing areas of the house throughout each day to enjoy the sunlight entering the dwelling.   The roof plane incorporates reverse insulation (located on top of the roof) to allow an exposed concrete finish internally to the ceiling, while maintaining thermal efficiency.  The thermal mass of the concrete floor and roof planes stabilise internal temperatures and minimise energy use for heating and cooling.