Westmorland Views

This family home is located on the top of Westmorland Hill, where the higher you go, the better the view. This site has panoramic views southwards across the valley, then towards the city and then the sea beyond. This house has been designed to encompass the views in all living spaces. The brief was to design a home for a family, with living all on the upper level, with bedrooms and utility areas on the ground floor. It was important that the living rooms were positioned to get the best of the views towards the city, and all the way around southward across the neighbouring valley. One challenge was to design the living spaces to be open plan but with a separated lounge, all with views in all directions. The windows facing southwards have a spectacular view of the neighbouring valley and hillside. It was important to capture these views with large, carefully positioned windows, while ensuring their living is not entirely on show from anyone passing by. Another challenge was to create a deck area upstairs that would feel comfortable and connected to the garden, even when it is high off the ground. The extension of the roof over the decking creates a sense of 'living space'. Lifting the solid base of the glass balustrades upwards provides a sense of security while on the deck and provides some privacy, and also minimises how much you see of the back of the neighbouring house.