“Different aspects of the scenery are revealed
along the way, but it is not until you reach the
forecourt, climb the stairs and stroll through the
living spaces out to the deck that the majesty of
the immediate setting is experienced.
“The house immerses itself in the scenery
in many ways,” says Todd. “In addition to the
relaxing sounds from the river below, a pond
on an upper level brings the gentle murmur of
water from a different direction. And from the
foyer entrance, there is a six metre-high vista
that bisects the home and leads the eye up the
hill behind.”
Besides the sharp, linear overhangs of the
three pavilions, it is the material choices that
ensure the house is at one with its surroundings. Much of the exterior is clad in distinctive
shuttered concrete, formed by pouring wet mix
against rough-sawn timber. When removed, the
marks of the wood are pressed into the surface,
for a textural, natural finish.
This cladding is complemented by the use
of square Kerlite tiles, imported from Italy and
chosen for their resemblance to slabs of stone.
The balance of the exterior is in floor-to-ceiling
tinted glass and charcoal-coloured aluminium.
Above: With floor-to-ceiling sliders
drawn back, the interiors and
landscape become one. Long eaves
and cantilevered roofs mitigate
the glare and heat from the sun.