At Home: Solace in Nature

Solace in Nature

Homes that blend with the landscape

Foreword by Robert Swatt, FAIA

Solace in Nature

Homes that blend with the landscape

Solace in Nature

Homes that blend with the landscape

Contents 6 INTRODUCTION

62

Living on the Edge

116

DANS L’ESCARPEMENT | CANADA 8

Still Waters

70

BACKWATER | UNITED KINGDOM 14

Rooms with a View

76

Bridge to Nature Beneath the Winds

82 90

44 52

Mountain Views CRESCENT H | UNITED STATES

In the Trees HALF TREE HOUSE | UNITED STATES

102

Verdant Views THE HEADLAND | AUSTRALIA

Hiding in the Shadows CLOAKED HOUSE | PORTUGAL

56

96

On the Lakeshore CHUCAO HOUSE | CHILE

The Old and the New GLEN FORREST HOUSE + CHURCH | AUSTRALIA

Naturally Gorgeous CHALET CEDRUS | CANADA

On the Water

110

Natural City Landscape HOUSE BRAS | BELGIUM

Above and Beyond

130

182

136 144

156

170

202 210

Organic Panoramas VENTURA HOUSE | MEXICO

218

Perfect Match WAVE HOUSE | FINLAND

224

Blending In WEDGE HOUSE | GREECE

Family in Nature RESIDENCE DE LA CANARDIÈRE | CANADA

Bushland Split Living TWO HALVES | AUSTRALIA

Bushland Views QUARRY HOUSE | AUSTRALIA

Rustic Modern Living TREETOP LODGE | UNITED STATES

Pacific Northwest Vistas OKADA MARSHALL HOUSE | CANADA

164

196

Modern Wine Country Home OAK KNOLL | UNITED STATES

Sun in Wintertime SUNRIDGE | CANADA

High Desert Reflections MORNING SKY HOUSE | UNITED STATES

150

190

Natural Inspiration LICHEN HOUSE | UNITED STATES

Contemporary Reinterpretation STAZZO D’ALDIA HOUSE | ITALY

Minimalist Purity LA MIRA RA | FRANCE

Naturally Relaxed ROMERO CANYON | UNITED STATES

KLOOF 119A | SOUTH AFRICA

GLASS VILLA | UNITED KINGDOM

CAMINO EL ALTO HOUSE | CHILE 36

122

GHOST WASH HOUSE | UNITED STATES

BRIDGE HOUSE | LITHUANIA 30

Desert Habitat

176

JD2 | UNITED STATES

GEORGICA CLOSE | UNITED STATES

BENGUELA COVE | SOUTH AFRICA 22

Recognizing History

Contemporary Tranquility

230

Simple Relaxation WINDOW ON THE LAKE | CANADA

238 PROJECT CREDITS

Contents 6 INTRODUCTION

62

Living on the Edge

116

DANS L’ESCARPEMENT | CANADA 8

Still Waters

70

BACKWATER | UNITED KINGDOM 14

Rooms with a View

76

Bridge to Nature Beneath the Winds

82 90

44 52

Mountain Views CRESCENT H | UNITED STATES

In the Trees HALF TREE HOUSE | UNITED STATES

102

Verdant Views THE HEADLAND | AUSTRALIA

Hiding in the Shadows CLOAKED HOUSE | PORTUGAL

56

96

On the Lakeshore CHUCAO HOUSE | CHILE

The Old and the New GLEN FORREST HOUSE + CHURCH | AUSTRALIA

Naturally Gorgeous CHALET CEDRUS | CANADA

On the Water

110

Natural City Landscape HOUSE BRAS | BELGIUM

Above and Beyond

130

182

136 144

156

170

202 210

Organic Panoramas VENTURA HOUSE | MEXICO

218

Perfect Match WAVE HOUSE | FINLAND

224

Blending In WEDGE HOUSE | GREECE

Family in Nature RESIDENCE DE LA CANARDIÈRE | CANADA

Bushland Split Living TWO HALVES | AUSTRALIA

Bushland Views QUARRY HOUSE | AUSTRALIA

Rustic Modern Living TREETOP LODGE | UNITED STATES

Pacific Northwest Vistas OKADA MARSHALL HOUSE | CANADA

164

196

Modern Wine Country Home OAK KNOLL | UNITED STATES

Sun in Wintertime SUNRIDGE | CANADA

High Desert Reflections MORNING SKY HOUSE | UNITED STATES

150

190

Natural Inspiration LICHEN HOUSE | UNITED STATES

Contemporary Reinterpretation STAZZO D’ALDIA HOUSE | ITALY

Minimalist Purity LA MIRA RA | FRANCE

Naturally Relaxed ROMERO CANYON | UNITED STATES

KLOOF 119A | SOUTH AFRICA

GLASS VILLA | UNITED KINGDOM

CAMINO EL ALTO HOUSE | CHILE 36

122

GHOST WASH HOUSE | UNITED STATES

BRIDGE HOUSE | LITHUANIA 30

Desert Habitat

176

JD2 | UNITED STATES

GEORGICA CLOSE | UNITED STATES

BENGUELA COVE | SOUTH AFRICA 22

Recognizing History

Contemporary Tranquility

230

Simple Relaxation WINDOW ON THE LAKE | CANADA

238 PROJECT CREDITS

Introduction Robert Swatt, FAIA

The designs featured in this book are as different as the countries and landscapes where they are located—some step with the land with seamless indoor-outdoor connections, while others are more like pavilions that hover above the land, creating a poetic relationship between architecture and nature. Some are sheathed in wood boards, while others are clad in stone, cement plaster, or metal, drawing inspiration from their settings. Rooflines are flat, sloped, and curved, as diverse as the topography. Though the architectural languages are varied and quite distinct, each project in its own way expresses a reverence for the natural features of its site—just as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House relate to nature in powerful but profoundly different ways.

I believe that there are three key timeless principles of modern residential architecture.

First, as a reflection of the informality of contemporary family life, open planning, with fewer compartmentalized spaces, provides connectivity and spatial excitement. Second, in response to varying site typologies, knitting the architecture to the land, with varying degrees of contrast, can create a lyrical dialogue between architecture and nature. Finally, strong indoor-outdoor connections that blur the boundaries between the two help to connect family life to nature by bringing the outside in. Each of the projects illustrated in this volume exhibit these three tenets of modern architecture in unique and beautiful ways.

All 34 of the projects featured here are, by and large, country homes—as opposed to urban, infill, or even suburban homes. As such, the primary context of each home is the site itself and the surrounding landscape. These houses hail from all over the world with sites that range from forests to high mountains and deserts, from lakesides and jagged coasts to rain forests and wine

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country. Each design is profoundly sensitive to its site and nature inspired. One superb example is the Dans L’Escarpement house in Montreal, Canada, with its minimal impact on land, and the dramatic bridging of the fully transparent great room over two concrete plinths—expressing the delicate footprint of this beautiful home. Another striking example is the Glass Villa in Lechlade, United Kingdom. The architectural parti is dramatic and simple—a pavilion that visually floats over the edge of a lake. However, simple can be deceiving. It takes great care and attention to detail to build a home of such consistency—creating an environment of beautiful spaces, consistent detail, connected to nature with walls of floor-to-ceiling glass, and flooded with light from a linear skylight that parallels the stair and circulation spine. One project, the Okada Marshall House, embraces nature and in so doing creates its own microclimate, providing outdoor areas that are sheltered from the prevailing winds.

Taken together, this is a compelling collection of beautiful homes on unique sites throughout the world, emphasizing the connections to and symbiotic relationship of architecture and nature. The owners of these homes are truly fortunate—to have a place of comfort and repose to observe the quality of the changing light over the days, experience the rain, wind, sun, and sky. To follow the slow change of seasons and growth of plant life, perhaps see some curious animals passing by. Each home creates a careful balance of connection and openness to privacy and coziness, filtering the elements to protect occupants from harshness of nature providing feelings of security while creating uplifting environs.

Our relationship to nature is as profound as our connection to home. These projects celebrate a union of both—places to nestle in and contemplate the beauty of their extraordinary sites.

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Introduction Robert Swatt, FAIA

The designs featured in this book are as different as the countries and landscapes where they are located—some step with the land with seamless indoor-outdoor connections, while others are more like pavilions that hover above the land, creating a poetic relationship between architecture and nature. Some are sheathed in wood boards, while others are clad in stone, cement plaster, or metal, drawing inspiration from their settings. Rooflines are flat, sloped, and curved, as diverse as the topography. Though the architectural languages are varied and quite distinct, each project in its own way expresses a reverence for the natural features of its site—just as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House relate to nature in powerful but profoundly different ways.

I believe that there are three key timeless principles of modern residential architecture.

First, as a reflection of the informality of contemporary family life, open planning, with fewer compartmentalized spaces, provides connectivity and spatial excitement. Second, in response to varying site typologies, knitting the architecture to the land, with varying degrees of contrast, can create a lyrical dialogue between architecture and nature. Finally, strong indoor-outdoor connections that blur the boundaries between the two help to connect family life to nature by bringing the outside in. Each of the projects illustrated in this volume exhibit these three tenets of modern architecture in unique and beautiful ways.

All 34 of the projects featured here are, by and large, country homes—as opposed to urban, infill, or even suburban homes. As such, the primary context of each home is the site itself and the surrounding landscape. These houses hail from all over the world with sites that range from forests to high mountains and deserts, from lakesides and jagged coasts to rain forests and wine

10

country. Each design is profoundly sensitive to its site and nature inspired. One superb example is the Dans L’Escarpement house in Montreal, Canada, with its minimal impact on land, and the dramatic bridging of the fully transparent great room over two concrete plinths—expressing the delicate footprint of this beautiful home. Another striking example is the Glass Villa in Lechlade, United Kingdom. The architectural parti is dramatic and simple—a pavilion that visually floats over the edge of a lake. However, simple can be deceiving. It takes great care and attention to detail to build a home of such consistency—creating an environment of beautiful spaces, consistent detail, connected to nature with walls of floor-to-ceiling glass, and flooded with light from a linear skylight that parallels the stair and circulation spine. One project, the Okada Marshall House, embraces nature and in so doing creates its own microclimate, providing outdoor areas that are sheltered from the prevailing winds.

Taken together, this is a compelling collection of beautiful homes on unique sites throughout the world, emphasizing the connections to and symbiotic relationship of architecture and nature. The owners of these homes are truly fortunate—to have a place of comfort and repose to observe the quality of the changing light over the days, experience the rain, wind, sun, and sky. To follow the slow change of seasons and growth of plant life, perhaps see some curious animals passing by. Each home creates a careful balance of connection and openness to privacy and coziness, filtering the elements to protect occupants from harshness of nature providing feelings of security while creating uplifting environs.

Our relationship to nature is as profound as our connection to home. These projects celebrate a union of both—places to nestle in and contemplate the beauty of their extraordinary sites.

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Still Waters BACKWATER Platform 5 Architects | 2016 | Norfolk, United Kingdom 12

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Still Waters BACKWATER Platform 5 Architects | 2016 | Norfolk, United Kingdom 12

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Backwater sets out to establish a stylish counterpoint to more traditionally designed neighboring houses, while respecting the peaceful and natural location. The house is arranged as three lowrise bays, whose pitched roofs echo the working boat sheds typically found on the Broads.

This contemporary home consists of a series of simple living spaces, orientated to address the waterfront in order to benefit from framed views of the surrounding landscape. The doubleheight vaulted living space faces onto woodland and a network of drainage dykes that teem with wildlife while the central bay offers panoramic views across the private lagoon.

Deep eaves emphasize the house’s bold silhouette and provide sheltered external living spaces that are usable across the seasons. Inside, a simple broken plan arrangement caters for flexible living and accommodates family life by allowing different activities to take place simultaneously through the use of timber sliding doors. The central bay contains a large kitchen and dining area, and flows into the adjacent double-height living space that is separated by a steel-clad fireplace.

The house’s three bedrooms occupy the third bay and are split over two floors, connected by an impressive spiral staircase that rises from the entrance hallway.

Each space has a carefully designed layout with built-in furniture to set the scene for family life. A considered material palette is used throughout these spaces, where a range of colors and textures respond to each room’s program, creating an overall cozy but varying atmosphere.

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Backwater sets out to establish a stylish counterpoint to more traditionally designed neighboring houses, while respecting the peaceful and natural location. The house is arranged as three lowrise bays, whose pitched roofs echo the working boat sheds typically found on the Broads.

This contemporary home consists of a series of simple living spaces, orientated to address the waterfront in order to benefit from framed views of the surrounding landscape. The doubleheight vaulted living space faces onto woodland and a network of drainage dykes that teem with wildlife while the central bay offers panoramic views across the private lagoon.

Deep eaves emphasize the house’s bold silhouette and provide sheltered external living spaces that are usable across the seasons. Inside, a simple broken plan arrangement caters for flexible living and accommodates family life by allowing different activities to take place simultaneously through the use of timber sliding doors. The central bay contains a large kitchen and dining area, and flows into the adjacent double-height living space that is separated by a steel-clad fireplace.

The house’s three bedrooms occupy the third bay and are split over two floors, connected by an impressive spiral staircase that rises from the entrance hallway.

Each space has a carefully designed layout with built-in furniture to set the scene for family life. A considered material palette is used throughout these spaces, where a range of colors and textures respond to each room’s program, creating an overall cozy but varying atmosphere.

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Rooms with a View BENGUELA COVE SAOTA | 2018 | Overberg, South Africa

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Rooms with a View BENGUELA COVE SAOTA | 2018 | Overberg, South Africa

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The setting alone for this modern and comfortable retreat is spectacular: within Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate, and situated on a slope of indigenous fynbos vegetation that runs down into the broad waters of a tidal estuary, bordered by the Overberg Mountains.

The architectural design negotiates the inherent paradox of this exposure to nature, and in particular how to mitigate the extreme elements of sun, salt, rain, and high winds, while also allowing the exceptional natural beauty of the site to pervade every space. The result is a considered response to the contours and microclimate of the site, and a poetic narrative of shelter and outlook.

Nature pervades the house—the seamless flow of internal floors and ceilings out into external living spaces is mirrored by the fynbos planting, which stalks the edges of the internal envelope, enfolds the terraces and decks and seeps into the garden courtyard. This deliberate blurring of boundaries with and between nature and architecture is a signature of SAOTA’s work; the result is a serene retreat whose spectacular setting can be enjoyed throughout the year.

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The setting alone for this modern and comfortable retreat is spectacular: within Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate, and situated on a slope of indigenous fynbos vegetation that runs down into the broad waters of a tidal estuary, bordered by the Overberg Mountains.

The architectural design negotiates the inherent paradox of this exposure to nature, and in particular how to mitigate the extreme elements of sun, salt, rain, and high winds, while also allowing the exceptional natural beauty of the site to pervade every space. The result is a considered response to the contours and microclimate of the site, and a poetic narrative of shelter and outlook.

Nature pervades the house—the seamless flow of internal floors and ceilings out into external living spaces is mirrored by the fynbos planting, which stalks the edges of the internal envelope, enfolds the terraces and decks and seeps into the garden courtyard. This deliberate blurring of boundaries with and between nature and architecture is a signature of SAOTA’s work; the result is a serene retreat whose spectacular setting can be enjoyed throughout the year.

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Mountain Views CRESCENT H CLB Architects | 2016 | Wilson, WY, United States

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Mountain Views CRESCENT H CLB Architects | 2016 | Wilson, WY, United States

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This large house is situated atop a gently sloping knoll inhabited by a mature aspen grove on a sizable site at the base of the Teton Range in northwest Wyoming. The house takes full advantage of panoramic views of the mountain range, and a framed view of Grand Teton, the tallest peak in the range, is visible through an opening in the trees. The entry drive ascends through the aspen grove and emerges in an open meadow where the house is revealed on the knoll.

The home is organized to capitalize on views, light, and sequence opportunities offered by this extraordinary site. The building program elements are arranged in separate building forms to optimize intimacy and exposure. The broad protective roof of the living, dining, and kitchen pavilion stretches along an east-west axis to take advantage of views and natural light. Two sculpted stone buildings containing bedrooms and other private zones are connected to both ends of the pavilion. Movement through the house is choreographed to contrast the characteristics of solid and void, alternately creating shelter, intimacy, and connections to outdoor spaces. This movement through the project culminates in the living area where glass walls roll away to create gracious connections to porches and terraces.

A carefully chosen, yet reductive, palette creates simplicity and timelessness while enhancing the connection to its mountain environment. Sedimentary stone from a regional quarry mimics the surrounding mountain ranges and rock formations. Clear vertical grain cedar siding breaks up the stone pattern and adds warmth and texture to the exterior. The same stone reappears on chimneys that define the public spaces within the pavilion. Stylishly simple, Crescent H sits lightly but confidently within its spectacular setting.

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This large house is situated atop a gently sloping knoll inhabited by a mature aspen grove on a sizable site at the base of the Teton Range in northwest Wyoming. The house takes full advantage of panoramic views of the mountain range, and a framed view of Grand Teton, the tallest peak in the range, is visible through an opening in the trees. The entry drive ascends through the aspen grove and emerges in an open meadow where the house is revealed on the knoll.

The home is organized to capitalize on views, light, and sequence opportunities offered by this extraordinary site. The building program elements are arranged in separate building forms to optimize intimacy and exposure. The broad protective roof of the living, dining, and kitchen pavilion stretches along an east-west axis to take advantage of views and natural light. Two sculpted stone buildings containing bedrooms and other private zones are connected to both ends of the pavilion. Movement through the house is choreographed to contrast the characteristics of solid and void, alternately creating shelter, intimacy, and connections to outdoor spaces. This movement through the project culminates in the living area where glass walls roll away to create gracious connections to porches and terraces.

A carefully chosen, yet reductive, palette creates simplicity and timelessness while enhancing the connection to its mountain environment. Sedimentary stone from a regional quarry mimics the surrounding mountain ranges and rock formations. Clear vertical grain cedar siding breaks up the stone pattern and adds warmth and texture to the exterior. The same stone reappears on chimneys that define the public spaces within the pavilion. Stylishly simple, Crescent H sits lightly but confidently within its spectacular setting.

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Living on the Edge DANS L’ESCARPEMENT YH2 | 2019 | Montreal, QC, Canada

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Living on the Edge DANS L’ESCARPEMENT YH2 | 2019 | Montreal, QC, Canada

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In an area known for its remarkable landscapes, this parcel of land had never been developed, due to the steep cliff. The clients, however, had a vision of what might be possible, and commissioned the architects to design their house in such a way that it would blend into the hill, and cause as little disruption as possible to its surroundings.

To keep the house’s imprint on the ground to a minimum, the architects designed the house around two concrete “boxes,” the first one, vertical, and the second one, horizontal. A totally glassed-in volume was anchored to both. The main entrance and the owners’ private suite are on the upper level of the three-story volume. Access to the house is via a metallic gangway that stretches from a concrete garage near the parking area, and which on a misty day gives a sensation of moving toward a floating house. One level down, a small office/library area is located adjacent to the kitchen/dining area. The lowest level of this vertical “box” features a sauna/spa facility.

The intermediate level is the true heart of this house with its windowed walls opening up to the surrounding forest. The living/dining area expands outdoors with a terrace built on the roof of the guests’ suite.

The prevailing material used inside is mahogany, selected for its enduring qualities and for its rich hues. In the living/dining area, floors, ceilings, beams, window frames, and kitchen cabinets are all finished with this rich dark wood, recalling the trees outside. Exposed concrete is used extensively on exterior walls; symbolically, it refers to the huge boulders, which are characteristic of the territory.

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In an area known for its remarkable landscapes, this parcel of land had never been developed, due to the steep cliff. The clients, however, had a vision of what might be possible, and commissioned the architects to design their house in such a way that it would blend into the hill, and cause as little disruption as possible to its surroundings.

To keep the house’s imprint on the ground to a minimum, the architects designed the house around two concrete “boxes,” the first one, vertical, and the second one, horizontal. A totally glassed-in volume was anchored to both. The main entrance and the owners’ private suite are on the upper level of the three-story volume. Access to the house is via a metallic gangway that stretches from a concrete garage near the parking area, and which on a misty day gives a sensation of moving toward a floating house. One level down, a small office/library area is located adjacent to the kitchen/dining area. The lowest level of this vertical “box” features a sauna/spa facility.

The intermediate level is the true heart of this house with its windowed walls opening up to the surrounding forest. The living/dining area expands outdoors with a terrace built on the roof of the guests’ suite.

The prevailing material used inside is mahogany, selected for its enduring qualities and for its rich hues. In the living/dining area, floors, ceilings, beams, window frames, and kitchen cabinets are all finished with this rich dark wood, recalling the trees outside. Exposed concrete is used extensively on exterior walls; symbolically, it refers to the huge boulders, which are characteristic of the territory.

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Desert Habitat GHOST WASH HOUSE Architecture-Infrastructure-Research | 2016 | Paradise Valley, AZ, United States

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Desert Habitat GHOST WASH HOUSE Architecture-Infrastructure-Research | 2016 | Paradise Valley, AZ, United States

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The Ghost Wash House is located on the lower hillside of Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley, Arizona. The site is flanked by two desert washes that move stormwater from the top of this mountain into the valley below. Two long, thin tumbled brick bars run parallel to the east and west natural washes framing a third topographic condition or “Ghost Wash.� The east bar protects this architectural wash from the low desert sun that streams across the mountain in the morning, and contains the garages, kitchen, office, and family dining room.

The west bar shields the occupants from the intense low west sun as it sets, and includes the bedrooms, family room, and recreation space.

The living and dining room makes up the interior of long sequence of courtyards, gardens, and play areas.

A massive floating roof provides the infrastructure of stormwater collection and solar power to the large house, and takes its cues from the nature of the Sonoran Desert. The large roof protects the primary living spaces of the house while its shade, power-generating, and watercollecting properties both physically and symbolically nurture the life of the house. In much the same way that desert washes provide a habitat and an ecosystem that facilitates desert life and connectivity, the Ghost Wash protects, connects, and facilitates the indoor and outdoor life of the residence. The Ghost Wash House is not a house in the desert, but a house of the desert.

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The Ghost Wash House is located on the lower hillside of Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley, Arizona. The site is flanked by two desert washes that move stormwater from the top of this mountain into the valley below. Two long, thin tumbled brick bars run parallel to the east and west natural washes framing a third topographic condition or “Ghost Wash.� The east bar protects this architectural wash from the low desert sun that streams across the mountain in the morning, and contains the garages, kitchen, office, and family dining room.

The west bar shields the occupants from the intense low west sun as it sets, and includes the bedrooms, family room, and recreation space.

The living and dining room makes up the interior of long sequence of courtyards, gardens, and play areas.

A massive floating roof provides the infrastructure of stormwater collection and solar power to the large house, and takes its cues from the nature of the Sonoran Desert. The large roof protects the primary living spaces of the house while its shade, power-generating, and watercollecting properties both physically and symbolically nurture the life of the house. In much the same way that desert washes provide a habitat and an ecosystem that facilitates desert life and connectivity, the Ghost Wash protects, connects, and facilitates the indoor and outdoor life of the residence. The Ghost Wash House is not a house in the desert, but a house of the desert.

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On the Water GLASS VILLA Mecanoo | 2018 | Lechlade, United Kingdom

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On the Water GLASS VILLA Mecanoo | 2018 | Lechlade, United Kingdom

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The guiding design principle was to create a house that combines transparency with sustainability, forging a strong relationship between the villa and the landscape. The harmony between landscape and interior, architecture and nature, was a key design determinant, particularly regarding sight lines, materials, colors, and lighting. The house is designed from inside out, creating uninterrupted views to the surrounding nature while providing shelter and intimacy.

The villa is situated in a green oasis of trees and plants that hide the house from view. Water plants along the water line alternate with stepping stones that lead to other parts of the garden.

On the water side, the villa has an optimal view over the lake. Terraces on two different levels connect the villa to both the land and the water, anchoring the house in nature and giving it a welcoming presence. Glass corner windows in the living room, kitchen, and other rooms make the residents feel like they live on the water.

Interior elements, such as the fireplace and storage cupboards, divide the house into different places, creating more intimate and private areas within the large transparent volume. In the heart of the house, a full-height void connects all levels and creates another series of diagonal and vertical sight lines. The central atrium brings abundant daylight into the sunken basement and connects the interior to the roof terrace. From the roof terrace, one can enjoy panoramic views as if floating quietly over the expanse of the lake.

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The guiding design principle was to create a house that combines transparency with sustainability, forging a strong relationship between the villa and the landscape. The harmony between landscape and interior, architecture and nature, was a key design determinant, particularly regarding sight lines, materials, colors, and lighting. The house is designed from inside out, creating uninterrupted views to the surrounding nature while providing shelter and intimacy.

The villa is situated in a green oasis of trees and plants that hide the house from view. Water plants along the water line alternate with stepping stones that lead to other parts of the garden.

On the water side, the villa has an optimal view over the lake. Terraces on two different levels connect the villa to both the land and the water, anchoring the house in nature and giving it a welcoming presence. Glass corner windows in the living room, kitchen, and other rooms make the residents feel like they live on the water.

Interior elements, such as the fireplace and storage cupboards, divide the house into different places, creating more intimate and private areas within the large transparent volume. In the heart of the house, a full-height void connects all levels and creates another series of diagonal and vertical sight lines. The central atrium brings abundant daylight into the sunken basement and connects the interior to the roof terrace. From the roof terrace, one can enjoy panoramic views as if floating quietly over the expanse of the lake.

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A treatise on how to reconnect people with nature through contemporary architecture and design. Solace in Nature is about finding solace within the landscape— in the bluffs, mountains, hills, woodlands, forests, bushland reserves, or hinterlands—without foregoing the modes of luxury living associated with sophisticated design elegance and innovative architectural features.

$40.00 [USA] £35.00 [GB]

Front cover: Okada Marshall House, East Sooke, BC, Canada (D'Arcy Jones Architects) Photography: Sama Jim Canzian Back cover: The Headland, New South Wales, Australia (Atelier Andy Carson) Photography: Tom Blachford and Kate Ballis