This extraordinary site presents a unique architectural challenge, defined by two steep slopes cascading into a central ravine that carves its way through the landscape. Enclosed within an irregular pentagonal boundary, the site is nestled between two neighbouring properties, creating a natural frame that guides the view westward. The constraints of this view corridor, rather than being a limitation, became a catalyst for the design, inspiring the creation of internal courtyards that serve as the heart of the home. These courtyards establish a serene, introspective environment, shifting the focus from the typical outward vistas celebrated in this neighbourhood to a more intimate, inward experience.
Central to the site is a delicate watercourse that winds through the ravine, a feature that must be preserved as part of the statutory requirements. The design embraces this natural element, with the structure of the house spanning the stream, allowing the water to flow undisturbed beneath. This flowing water is not just a preserved element but is distinguished within the architecture. A sophisticated system recirculates the water through the house, culminating in a waterfall, seamlessly integrating the natural and built environments, and transforming the watercourse into a living, breathing part of the home’s narrative.