There’s a moment of revelation at this home that challenges the limitations of hillside architecture: step through the entrance and the house unveils a vast, central space where light pours in at precise angles through floor-to- ceiling glass, while the mountains rise so dramatically ahead that you may instinctively step back.
Crafted by Peerutin Karol for a Swiss couple captivated by the tranquil beauty of Bishopscourt, this bespoke luxury home balances minimalist sophistication with intimate family living. The design was heavily influenced by the family’s desire for peaceful, functional spaces that invite relaxation and connection. One is immediately struck by the openness and clarity as the architecture is designed to allow the outside world to enter and become part of the experience.
The architecture is a study in placemaking: the open-plan layout, expansive and uncluttered, emphasises a seamless flow from room to room. Spaces connect fluidly, designed to accommodate the rhythms of daily life — whether it’s a quiet afternoon spent reading in the sunlit living room or a family gathering around the dining table. The four finishing materials, chosen to fulfil the client’s vision of a serene, muted tonal palette, are key to this integration. Large-format porcelain tiles, red cedar timber cladding for the exterior, oak timber veneer for the interiors, and sleek white Corian were selected with precision and restraint. The intent was clear: to create a continuous visual experience that flows smoothly from room to room, never distracting, always enhancing.
SUPPLIERS: Wooden flooring: Oggie Hardwood Flooring | Porcelain tiles: Studio Masson | Outdoor timber cladding: Coppola Group | Indoor timber cladding: Roma Kitchens | Kitchen: bulthaup | Windows: Emmegi
The site’s steep slope initially posed a challenge. The clients envisioned a single-level living space, which, given the terrain, seemed an ambitious goal. The solution involved what can only be described as a topographical sleight of hand. The house now nestles below street level, hidden from view. The resulting home feels intrinsically connected to the land. The gardens don’t simply surround the house — they infiltrate it. Every room offers its own curated slice of landscape, with breathtaking views of sunsets and mountains in every direction.
An Instrument For Living Well
At the heart of this design lies what may be the project’s boldest feature: a 25-metre rimless lap pool extending over the hill’s edge. It’s not just a water feature but a horizontal exclamation mark, drawing swimmers to its edge for what the architects describe as ‘an unparalleled, exhilarating experience.’
The home celebrates simplicity without sacrificing sophistication. Quiet elegance allows its surroundings to shine, turning the house into more than just a place to live — it becomes a place to be, to breathe, and to exist in perfect harmony with the world around it. As light sweeps across the cedar surfaces, the building reveals its true achievement. It’s a precise instrument for living, one that measures light, space, and views with mathematical accuracy while never losing sight of the simple joy of a well-crafted home.
MEET THE TEAM: Architects: Peerutin Karol | Quantity Surveyor: SBDS Quantity Surveyors | Structural Engineer: Poise Consulting | Mechanical Engineer: DeVS-SiVEST | Electrical Engineer: McWilliam Consulting | Home Automation: 4Ward-Design | Contractor: Gossow & Harding Construction
