Maximising views, screening out the neighbours, issues of space, and planning consent are all major considerations when building an urban residence. An astute design will address all these points unnoticed.
This house, by architects Daniel Marshall and Mike Hartley, is set on a modest-sized, inner-city plot. Marshall says the house is an exercise in environmental response.
"This can be seen from first entering the property," says Marshall. "Cladding on the double-height facade merges garage with home, and presents a demure, private aspect to the front section and the street."
The house's elongated, two-level form is dictated by the need to gain optimum height to take in the views, while stepping back from the boundaries to meet local planning consent.
Essentially, the residence comprises two linear forms, one set above the other, with the upper level's western facade on a raked, outward angle.
The upper structure overhangs the lower level on this side of the house, creating a covered outdoor area beneath. In contrast to the wall of cladding seen from the drive, the north side of the home is a wall of glazing on both levels.