The project is the renovation of an existing fibro cottage, to accommodate two families. The seed of the concept was present within the existing house plan and focused on framing the 180-degree bay view, connecting with both the sea at the front and the bush at the back.

The existing narrow loggia like entry was widened by removing a small bedroom, and replacing it with a new entry deck on the bush side of the house. This removal left a clear central core, framed by the remaining side wings of kitchen and bedrooms. The inner walls of these wings were extended as reveals. Within these extended reveals the new raised living-room and deck were added. The 600-mm rise in the floor section eliminates any view of the houses below. In contrast to the flat ceilings of the remnant house, the ceiling here is raised, following the rake of the hill and allowing views back to the bush hillside above.

The 600-mm level change is bridged by twin low stairs framing a long, wide built-in seat, which faces back from the sea towards the fireplace and bush beyond.