Location: Eastbourne, Wellington, New Zealand

House area: 2,863 square feet/266 square metres

Site area: 29.6 acres/12 hectares

Description: The premise of this property was a desire for a house with a natural spirit, connected to its setting, something that would provide a home for not only the current occupants but also where they could welcome family and friends.

Entering the house, there is a sense of unfolding. From below, it is a solid, linear wall that hides the Beech Forest behind. Entry through this wall and upwards allows the forest and harbor to he viewed and the house to lighten and open up in different directions.

Abstract references are made to the forest with metaphor, lines, layers, light, and shadow. The roof of the main level has been separated from the walls on all four sides to extend the sense of lightness and delicacy of connection. This main level becomes a viewing platform for the different horizons with a layering of both openness and division between spaces. The majority of the views are through either the slender Beech trunks or fine members of the building.