Grace Avenue

The appeal of building a new townhouse in this location, was a lifestyle choice for the clients. This is a unique 400sqm site in the heart of the Mount with views of the Mount and Pilot Bay. Vacant sites are rare, as most of the land has been developed for apartments. The new townhouse is within easy walking distance of both beaches, downtown and the Mount itself. The challenge to design a large 2 storey house on a small site in the Mount are the building envelope restrictions and the neighbour’s recession planes. The concept design embraced these constraints with the client’s desire for natural light and interesting spaces. The split floating roofs provide a dynamic architectural form and pull winter light into the centre of the upper living area. The functional balance of windows and rooms, together with the play on the external arrangement of solid cedar cladding and glazing has been carefully handled. This provides varying degrees of openness and privacy for the internal spaces. Even though the house works together over 2 levels, the ground floor can be separated with a pivoted door that enables family and guests to stay, without using the upper level. Access can be through the entry atrium or either of the 2 private landscaped courtyards. A small living space with 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and large garage are located at ground level. The feeling of light and space is celebrated most in the upper level living / dining space and central kitchen, with access to two balconies to enjoy the morning or afternoon sun. The art of construction and master craftsmanship interprets the design with respect and compassion. This is evident both externally and internally and shows that this really was a team effort between client, architect and the contractor.