Nestled into sloping topography, the design of this home allows privacy from the street while providing unique vistas throughout the house and to the surrounding hill country and downtown skyline. Layering rooms with each other as well as circulation galleries, insures seclusion while allowing stunning downtown views. The owners' goals of creating a home with a contemporary flow and finish while providing a warm setting for daily life was accomplished through mixing warm natural finishes such as stained wood with gray tones in concrete and local limestone. The home's program also hinged around using both passive and active green features. Sustainable elements include geothermal heating/cooling, rainwater harvesting, spray foam insulation, high efficiency glazing, recessing lower spaces into the hillside on the west side, and roof/overhang design to provide passive solar coverage of walls and windows. The resulting design is a sustainably balanced, visually pleasing home which reflects the lifestyle and needs of the clients. Photography by Andrew Pogue

"National Designer Show House at the Historic Greystone Estate in Beverly Hills" ** Our overaching theme was "It's definitely NOT your granddad's mansion anymore!"

A Dogwood tree is in the center of the house, of which the dining room (left), kitchen (right), and living room (background right) all circulate around. This internal courtyard is quite dramatic to watch change throughout the seasons and weather.

No matter how big or how small the back garden is, there is always room for a deck. Outside entertaining is always a must in Australia. If room allows there is always a place for a day bed for some sitting, relaxing, reading or just dreaming the day away.

On one side a 'living wall' ties the two levels together and, amongst other things, softens the acoustics in what could otherwise feel more like a gloomy and echoing lightwell. Photographer: Bruce Hemming

View of rear facade from garden Photo by Sean Shanahan

Entry Courtyard - General Contractor: Forte Estate Homes