It also reappears on a solid wall beside
the pool. Other textural elements include
timber battens that form a sunscreen and
provide privacy on the top floor of the
glazed bridging element – at night the
bridge looks like a lantern. There is also
wood within the house. The flooring in
the bridge and bedrooms is Burmese teak.
In keeping with the owners’ desire for
a tropical ambience, most rooms are positioned to maximise an attractive outlook.
More often than not, this is a view of the
koi pond or swimming pool beside the
main living room. Even the fully glazed
stairwell appears suspended above the
koi pool.
“Although modern, the house is rather
formal in the way it is laid out,” Francis
says. “The living room is stepped down
from the dining room and kitchen, while
the ceiling is on the same level. This makes
the living room one-and-a-half storeys
high, creating a sense of grandeur. High
clerestory windows also ensure the room
is light filled. With large overhangs and
tall windows in every room, the house can
Facing page: Many of the rooms overlook the
central swimming pool between the two wings.
Both the formal living room and a family room
opposite open onto the pool terrace.
Above left and above: The formal living room is a
few steps lower than the dining room and kitchen
and consequently has a much higher ceiling.
Top: Glazing forms the sides of the bridge that
links the two wings of the house. Timber battens
provide privacy on the street side.
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