Design drool

The most important aspect of designing this home was capturing the views from every angle. By placing the home on stilts, Herbst was able to make the best use of the surroundings.

Rudolph used red cannonballs as weights to hold the home’s signature wood shutters in place.

The rooftop balcony captures views of the park.

Coco Bar Stools by Vorsen provide plenty of kitchen seating.

The interior finishes are simple with a palette that's designed to last both physically and aesthetically.

As with the external materials, the internal finishes are robust and earthy with the stone for the kitchen countertops chosen for its ability to handle the brightly colored spices and powders of Indian cuisine.

The facades of Kew East House are banded with interlocking, metal panel fascias that weave it into the streetscape.

Although the orientation of the site was not ideal as the extension faces south, the strategic location of the addition and high-level kitchen window draws sunlight deep into the space in winter, while the deep window reveals restricts sunlight penetration in the summer months.

A bold green and blue artwork is posed above a dark wood trestle table in the dining area.

On either side of the dining area, two sets of large sliding doors connect the house to the garden.

An exercise in simplicity, the Sonoma weeHouse consists of two steel-framed volumes with ipe interiors, oiled oak cabinetry, and massive sliding glass walls that overlook valley views.

The three structures are linked by a covered walkway and surround a north-facing courtyard protected from coastal winds. There is no fence to encourage interaction with neighbors.

A concrete-block-lined hallway connects the pavilions.

The front entrance leads to the house’s “circulation spine” (above photo).

The rope door pulls are Rich’s creation.

The island countertop material is from recycled railway sleepers and the sides are custom clear-coated steel. The appliances are by Fisher & Paykel.