Headland House

This clifftop site provides elevated views north up the coast and east out to sea. In response, the house is arranged in two pieces running west to east to follow the natural shape of the sandstone outcrop on which the house sits. The southern or main section of the house contains the main living area, a protected courtyard, a garage and bedrooms below. Ocean views are framed directly to the east while northern openings on the upper level take in views up the coast. These openings also provide protected sun ingress and access to a deck and elevated spa within an off-form concrete structure. The wedge shaped northern wing starts as a sharp corner adjacent to the entry and opens out to the view at its eastern end as it follows the alignment of the northern boundary. Materials are simple and hard wearing arranged in an exposed and unfussy way. Our client supported artful experimentation with materials and the unconventional arrangement of some spaces, which largely contribute to the playful nature of the house and its ultimate success. Builder Castlepeake  Photographer Neil Fenelon