the building sits on a long narrow site, and has a central courtyard which provides the main outdoor space at the lower level, has a small lap pool, and gives some winter sunshine and allows for a view from the neighbors. the upper level has a terrace at the western end to take advantage of the spectacular views down the harbour towards the city. the living rooms have multiple sliding doors that open to the terrace at one end and to the sun at the eastern end (fitted with a timber screen for privacy). every room faces outwards to get good light and ventilation. the external design is contemporary, but formed to be complementary to the other house in the street, and fitted with external screens on all sides to provide privacy and to soften the external appearance of this prominent house. as the building had to be built on the north boundary the only access to north sun was through the roof. thus a distinctive “butterfly” shaped roof was employed to give some north light into the living areas, and allows for a steeper pitched roof facing north for the active solar heating. the upper level external terrace has a variable louvre screen that provides sun in winter and shade in summer.