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It’s a very specific object – barely touching the
ground and yet having this impact because
of the way it projects like a piston or piece of
sculpture as the centre of attention.
The clients had aspirations that said ‘look, it’s
fun, but we want it to be truly spectacular’.
That’s what guided us. It is spectacular. It has
this incomparable aspect and sense of place
equivalent in impact to many of the great
architectural landmarks anywhere in the world.
I’m not claiming it to be one of those, but the
experience is truly memorable and perhaps
comparable with some of those great landmarks.
You’ve respected the original yet given it this
entirely new life. What are the essential changes?
From a distance the two angled walls to the
ocean let you see right through. Great houses
have a promise and that promise is there on the
approach. So that promise of an experience is
important. The promise here has been increased.
The footbridge for instance, appears even more
precipitous than before. Glass really helps in
that s