Nightbird

On a forested and rocky hillside, the Nightbird House is poised on slender steel columns with wings that cantilever from the body of the structure. The main living space of the house soars high above the ground to provide elevated views whilst sheltering a secondary suite below. By day, its black exterior blends with forest shadow. At night, a continuous band of glass is illuminated by the home’s internal glow.

The architectural form and detailing of the Nightbird House are a response to:

1. Its physical context: the sloping site, mountain views, the path of the sun in the sky,

2. A multi-generational living arrangement, and

3. The Owner’s desire for strong vernacular forms, such as gabled roofs, with modern detailing which is achieved by a structural steel spine that propels a vaulted roof over a gable end wall of full height glass.

The south elevation of the house, facing a public road and the hot summer sun, is understated - choosing a restrained palette of materials and window openings. On the opposite side, facing a sweeping vista to the north, the home opens its wings and takes to the air. Large window walls and covered decks connect inside to outside. To the west, clerestory windows and timber slat screens temper the late afternoon sun while lending a sense of privacy to the Owners and neighbours.