Great wide open

Country life offers opportunities for space, seclusion and scenery that most city dwellers can often only dream about. This home, by Simon Novak, has an abundance of such qualities. The low-slung, one-story home hugs gently undulating vineyard-covered terrain. Beyond, snow-topped mountains further enhance the setting.

"The location is quite literally stunning," says Novak. "It's not immediately apparent, but the house sits near a clifftop, and is set back from the edge so it's not visible from the beach below."

Energy efficiency was a key request from the clients, so the home was constructed predominantly from concrete. Other aims included capturing the panorama, working in harmony with the landscape, creating a home office to take advantage of the inspiring view, and the inclusion of a sheltered courtyard.

"The home has to interact with the environment. The long, low design merges with the site," says Novak.

"The two mono-pitched roofs appear to float above clerestory windows, an effect that forms a welcoming gesture, leading your eye out to sea, and ina similar manner welcoming you to the home."

Novak used a limited palette of robust materials. Soft and sandy beige tones blend with two tones of cedar one in an almost natural finish, the other the color of espresso beans. This provides warmth to match the hues of the surrounds. The cedar fins surrounding the windows and sliding doors add to the home's distinctive appearance, but also fulfill a functional purpose.

"To open up the views we included a lot of glass in the design. For energy efficiency, we designed a passive thermal system. The expanse of glass allows heat to be absorbed into the concrete and polished tile floor. This radiates heat in the evening. The large fireplace, which is horizontally banded in schist, also absorbs and radiates heat," says Novak.

As the home is located in a very warm region, there was also potential for too much warmth in summer.

"Large overhangs, sunshades and cedar louvers enabled the use of plenty of glazing. These passive measures cut out the summer sun, while allowing the lower winter sun to warm the home," says Novak.

"We had to account for a cool prevailing breeze in summer. While the breeze reduces heat inside when the sliding doors are open, it was necessary to provide a sheltered outdoor area. With this in mind, we designed the home around a central U-shaped courtyard that fits between the two roof forms. Accessible from the entry gallery, kitchen, living and dining rooms, the space gets great afternoon sun."

Automated clerestory windows, which allow hot air to circulate out as it rises, are another measure to prevent overheating.

The interior flows around the kitchen and courtyard, with select rooms positioned at the front to benefit from the outlook. A glass-walled art studio is tucked away in the middle of the home.

Story by: Trendsideas