A 3 bedroom retirement home was requested for a challenging waterfront site that is overlooked from 3 sides.
Several courtyard forms were tested before arriving at a long wall building that gently sloped down with the site and created a large continuous garden with water views.
Bedrooms and a guest house were squeezed to the corners of the site to give separation between home, work, and musical pursuits, while the long connecting hallway was used to catch northern sun for heating.
Light blockwork was used for low maintenance while timber warmed the interior with concrete floors for solar gain.
A large wind door shields the garden from the strong western winds, but can slide open to connect it to the waterfront on calm days.
The large courtyard garden and shaded outdoor room with water views are the center of the house.
Both were given full winter sun and privacy from the taller neighbours on all sides.
designed with steve watson
project architect : scott christensen
project designer : scott christensen
