This house was designed from the inside out to meet the functional needs of the family of five whilst capturing northern sun and spectacular city views to the east. The entry level of the multi-level home accommodates the garage, studio and water tanks (supplying the laundry, toilet cisterns and external irrigation). Above, the upper-level open plan living spaces open to substantial decks to the east and north. Day beds, extensive northern glazing, clerestory windows and raked ceilings (some plywood) enrich these spaces drawing in treetop views and sunlight. The steeply sloping site allows the elevated living areas, via the northern deck, near-level access to a rear native garden (irrigated with sub-surface grey water) overlooked by a separate north-facing bedroom pavilion.

The result: a warm, inviting, low-energy, low-maintenance robust family home.