The original brief sought to demolish an existing 60's brick veneer house to allow for a new home and tennis court elsewhere on the property, overlooking an existing vineyard. Early design conversations redirected the project to an adds and alts scheme to resolve planning issues relating to the challenge of finding flat land for the tennis court. The new scheme used the site's existing 60s house instead of demolishing it, lopped off its top to build the tennis court over it and 'slung' the new residence off the court to the view side. The completed design contrasts with the surrounds and offers occupants beautiful scenic views. In the original plans the house was clad with Zinc type finish metallic colorbond sheets. The whole building (walls, soffit and roof) is uniformly clad - reading as an austere box floating above the vineyard. Main entry is guided from the drive by a timber walkway leading to the original porch of the

existing house underneath the new “zinc box”. The upper level main living areas within the zinc box are accessed from the Lobby stairs and from the tennis court. The kitchen and living areas face North East to maximize the views to the vineyards, and are overlooked by the dining area which is at tennis court level. Sliding doors provide a wide opening to the court. Views are spectacular from the main bedroom which is perched at the cantilevered end of the “box”. The house is double insulated throughout the lightweight framed walls, floor, and roof. Downstairs, thermal mass maintains relatively comfortable air temperatures and a transfer duct shares the air with the lightweight structure above, including the radiated warmth from winter sun and slow combustion wood fire. The undercroft of the court, where earth, retaining walls and concrete court panels provide significant thermal mass, is used for winery activities.