upper level or drop down to a multipurpose space on the
lower level. A dance studio is just one of those purposes.
The white concrete, paint-free walls suggest a pre-
history, and the house already feels like a long-term
fixture. ‘One of the clients had studied archaeology and
has a strong interest in rocks and clay,’ says Noero. ‘The
clients also wanted a maintenance-free house so the
finishes were chosen to reflect time and the effect of the
weather on the building. We are hoping the house will
melt into the landscape over time.’ The team selected
a robust African hardwood timber (Afrormosia, which
weathers to a silver-grey colour) for the external cladding
and hardy vegetation within the landscape and on the
roof, which forms the oft-forgotten fifth elevation.
‘We had a ferociously good builder who led a team
of local labourers,’ adds Noero. ‘They crafted this houseusing traditional skills that have been used for more
than 400 years.’ The painstaking attention to detail
is evident in every plane of the home, including the
balletic modulation of the bronze handrail, which
caps the glass balustrades and the rounded edges of the
expressed beams, plinths and soffits. Yet, the interior
appropriately dissolves in deference to the landscape.
Noero Architects has challenged the notions
of luxury in this house – all details are necessary,
everything is beautifully crafted. ‘We need to stop
the drive for more things,’ says Noero. ‘We as architects
get caught up in prioritising luxury over necessity.
We have an ethical responsibility to make space that
is carefully considered, not wasteful. It’s time to stop
the madness that has gripped us.’ ∂
noeroarchitects.comDESIGNED AS A SPLIT-
LEVEL SPACE WITH WHITE
CONCRETE WALLS, THE
HOUSE FEATURES BEDROOMS
ON AN UPPER LEVEL, THE
KITCHEN ON A MIDDLE
LEVEL, AND A MULTIPURPOSE
AREA ON A LOWER LEVELPhotography: Dave Southwood186 ∑