Stepping Stone House
Three disconnected, under-used and flood prone outbuildings were replaced with two new buildings that provided additional living accommodation for the existing house. Specific attention was given to the 5 children, all boys. The design therefore seeks to engage the family with the calming effects of nature. This is achieved through the abundant use of daylight, an organic structure, natural materials and a new landscape design.
The smaller of the two new buildings is a self-contained guest house with a kitchen / living space, utility corridor, bathroom and bed deck. The larger building is the family?s main living space – it also has a bed deck and bathroom. It is connected to the existing house via a structural glass bridge.  Both buildings can be ?opened? up to each other as the glass at raised ground floor level is designed as sliding, opening, door panels. Photography by © James Brittain Photography
The stilts elevate the buildings above the lake, lifting them clear of flood waters and allowing flush access to the ground floor of the existing house. They also make it possible to swim under the buildings.  A key feature of the design is the roof and its 1.5m overhanging eaves which serve to shade the interiors in summer and also provide a sheltered walkway that merges inside and out.
The use of hardwood for the wide handrail, deck and soffit of the roof creates a warmth and tactility to these spaces. Brick was selected to relate to the ex...