Utilizing this plot's minimal slope, this home is designed to appear as a single-floor house from the west, with a second floor visible from the east. A 20-metre long pool designed in parallel to the home liberates half of the property to serve as a garden and opens up the possibility to accommodate future additions.
As part of the initial concept, the clients requested to have their bedroom on the ground level adjacent to the living area, with the children's rooms and family areas on the floor below. The family is blessed with four boys with the oldest being approximately 20 years older than the youngest who are twins. Family life is informal yet the aesthetic is minimal and rigorous. There is very little clutter and every item in the home is chosen carefully.
Like the house, the garden design is accurate with clearly defined areas. A set of large deciduous trees are positioned to the west of the house in order to cast shade as the sun begins its descent to the sea. In POSTSCRIPT, there are a host of ongoing conversations; between members of the family and the spaces they occupy, between inanimate concrete surfaces and the play of foliage. Because of the minimalistic nature of the architecture, there is space to listen and observe, to note the discourse of light and shade and to catch the momentary reflections of both architecture and nature.
"Designing Private Homes is the stuff of dreams. It is a complex and challenging undertaking that enables a great deal of experimentation at many scales. It requires one to develop a keen sense of hearing that goes beyond client program and stated objectives," says Architect Asaf Gottesman. "The POSTSCRIPT residence was a means of re-sharpening our pencils and working with old clients and close friends. The clients are hands-on, creative thinkers with a keen sense of logic and instinctive disregard for established norms. It was truly a collaborative effort and transformative experience to create this beautiful home."
Nick Myall
News editor
