The Rocks

A modern villa for group entertaining which makes full use of its steep hillside site. The clients requested a big program for this small site; with the desire for a statement building exhibiting a sense of intrigue.

Our response was to present a blank face to the street, shielding the house from overlooking neighbours above and adjacent.  Transparency is instead reserved for the rear elevation, with vistas opening to the valley below. Formal living, dining and games levels are grouped on the lower floors; flowing to an outdoor entertainment terrace. Bedrooms and bathrooms are located above to take advantage of the views below, while maintaining privacy.  Sunken gardens set into the slope provide a calm transition from the street entry.  Materials are typically modernist steel, glass and plaster; tempered by the use of textured local stone.