The 1296m2 steeply-sloping site is located on the south-eastern side of Lohia Street in the Wellington suburb of Khandallah.  The site was tricky to develop - sloping downward at a consistent 35 degrees below the road, was densely vegetated with a mixture of native and exotic trees as well as general undergrowth - and to further complicate matters was formed on an extensive area of fill at the head of a valley running down to the east.  However it had great opportunity to develop given the site formed an amphitheatre setting enjoying extensive harbour views toward the east that were private given no other houses were located on this side of the road.  Therefore the brief was to maximise the site and views with an executive Khandallah dwelling, that included four bedrooms, two living areas, three bathrooms, double garage, plus deck areas + outdoor landscaped spaces.  

Given the topography of the site, valley orientation, and expansive views; glazing and outdoor amenity area of the proposed dwelling would be along the eastern elevation.  However late sunlight access from the north also required high level windows for light access.  We overcame the tricky site with a dwelling over four floors that included suspended structure down the surface of the slope attached at the top by extensive foundations anchored under the road and a pole structure underneath.  This avoided loading the unstable fill that made up most of the slope, and meant the house plan continually steps down the slope from the entry, and never meets the ground at the bottom - a challenge that required excellent planning to create a liveable dwelling.  After the garage at road level, main bedroom and ensuite are adjacent to the entry one level below.  Open plan living is on the next floor down with continuous glazing to the east, and a cathedral ceiling creating a massive volume in which to entertain and take in the amazing harbour views.  High level western glazing both accentuates the wedge form of the roof and allows late sun into this volume.  One floor below is another three bedrooms, bathroom and second living.  Carefully included deck areas take in the view, and offer a sheltered sunny courtyard adjacent the living for the late summer sun.