The gap hilltop house

Perched high on a large, steep, and heavily treed site, The Gap Hilltop House is an extension designed to open the house to the hill.

The existing house – a 1990s slab on ground spec home – had little consideration for the amazing site, other than to minimize cut and fill.  Facing East-West, it suffered heat and glare in Summer, and was unnecessarily dark and cold in Winter. Large windows captured expansive views - hidden behind blinds and curtains in order to make the house livable.

The new work is conceived as a slice of the hilltop raised, along with house on it.  The roof forms of the existing house are repeated on the upper level of the extension, a parents retreat that rests on a roof garden that wraps the original house. A conceptual tie, as well as much needed protection to existing openings and outdoor areas. The spaces below this green roof shift between inside and out , and reorganize the main living to a North-South aspect.  Subtly stepping at seat-height intervals, this new edge frames a readily accessible flat lawn (previously the oversized pool and spa) allowing a small slice of the hilltop to be directly occupied.

Status: Detailed Design

Imagery: Place By Paul