Built on a rural ridgetop with 360° panoramic views, the location required a sensitive approach to design. The house is partly excavated to reduce its visual prominence. Exposure to the wind was a major determinant and the house is arranged to create choices of outdoor living spaces for all weathers and times of day. A small courtyard provides shelter from the prevailing breezes and is a contrast in scale to the sweepng seaward aspect.

The owners' art collection required wall areas for display under controlled light conditions. We expanded on their enthusiasm with the commissioning of glass artist Olaf Wehr-Candler to work with us on combining structure with art in the roof trusses to the living area.