GREAT WIDE OPEN

Country life offers opportunities for space, seclusion and scenery that most city dwellers can often only dream about.

Designed by Simon Novak, the home featured on these pages has an abundance of such qualities. Built on a clifftop, the low-slung, single-storey home hugs the gently undulating, vineyard-covered terrain. Beyond, snow-topped mountains further enhance the setting.

With such surroundings, and no one to out-build, the need to go up to capture views wasn't considered, says Novak.

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

Thermal performance and energy efficiency were key requests from the clients, so the home was constructed predominantly from concrete. Other specific aims included capturing the panorama, working in harmony with the landscape, and the inclusion of a sheltered courtyard.

"Overall, with lifestyle in mind, it had to be a home that interacted with the environment. The long, low design merges with the site, while the two mono-pitched roofs appear to float above the clerestory windows. This effect contrasts with the solid grounding of the concrete structure," says Novak.

"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 floors, which then radiate heat in the evening," says Novak.

"The large fireplace, which is horizontally banded in schist, also absorbs and radiates heat."

As the home is located in a very warm region, there was also potential for it to become warm in summer.

"The system of large overhangs, sunshades and cedar louvres cut out the hot, high summer sun, while still allowing the lower winter sun to enter the home," says Novak.

Story by: Trendsideas