Dornob | Design Ideas Daily

Stacked Hillside House Balances Beach Views with Privacy

Posted: 16 Mar 2013 10:00 AM PDT

The ability to take in views of a beautiful beach in Australia is balanced with a family’s desire for privacy in the white concrete Hewlett House by MPRDG architects. A striking contrast to the more conventional homes that surround it, this modern concrete residence consists of stacked geometric stories connected by a shell-shaped staircase.

The rectangular home gets a sense of movement and enhanced visual interest from the dramatic staircase as well as a privacy screen on the upper story that is inspired by the shapes of the eucalyptus tree branches around it.

The lowest floor is built partially into the hillside, with a rock wall that gives it a cave-like atmosphere. This floor houses a recreation room leading out to the swimming pool and garden. The bedrooms are tucked away in the middle floor, while the upper story is reserved for common spaces to take full advantage of the views.

While the plentiful glass and open-air terraces focus the view beyond neighboring houses to the nearby Bronte beach, the rooms inside are arranged for maximum privacy.