Welcoming the outdoors in

An internal forecourt complete with a koi pond, feature tree and with permanent openings is just one way this home draws nature into its heart

Front elevation. - Welcoming the outdoors in -

Timber screens up close. - Welcoming the outdoors

Stairs in the front court - Welcoming the

Detail of front courtyard staircase. - Welcoming the

Kitchen, dining and outdoor living all rolled into

The home's dry kitchen showing the soaring ceiling

The first floor bathroom. - Welcoming the outdoors

The first floor master ensuite. - Welcoming the

Designed by HYLA Architects

From the architects:

This house for a family of five sits on high ground with the rear having the view but facing west. (northern hemisphere orientations)

The front faces east on a typical residential street.

The design strategy was to place the living areas as well as the main bedrooms facing west to take advantage of the view.

These spaces have deep overhangs or operable timber screens to protect them from the afternoon sun.

In front, a 15m high forecourt with a koi pond and feature tree acts as the buffer to the public street frontage.

This space is covered yet outdoors as there are openings on various sides.

It is enclosed yet permanently and effectively ventilated.

And it is private from the outside world, yet serves as the public space for the house where most of the circulation takes plac.

At rear, the pool deck is sheltered by the mezzanine study above which acts as the shield for the double volume living / dining space. e

This study is in turn protected by a rotating timber screen with each blade made up of eight pieces of timber.

In order to span the entire width of the house, the floor is suspended from the top floor via a pair of deep beams which also serve as a planter for the master bedroom.

Nature is introduced throughout the home and emphasises the duality of the spaces. Are you inside, or outside? Why not both?

At rear, the pool deck is sheltered by the mezzanine study above which acts as the shield for the double volume living / dining space.

This study is in turn protected by a rotating timber screen with each blade made up of eight pieces of timber.

In order to span the entire width of the house, the floor is suspended from the top floor via a pair of deep beams which also serve as a planter for the master bedroom.

Nature is introduced throughout the home and emphasises the duality of the spaces.

Are you inside, or outside? Why not both?