By raising a platform on pillars and caissons, the
architects li ed the house towards the view and
established a series of intersecting and overlapping
horizontal planes that project outwards from
the cliff edge. e horizontal emphasis of the
terraces and oversailing eaves refl ect the city's wide
horizons, with a sense of volume and compression
that responds to its distinctive character. In a sense,
the back of the house can be understood as a giant
viewing platform.
In recognition of the Stahl House, Bellgave's main
lounge is positioned in a cantilevered glass box
at the front of the house that projects outwards
to embrace the view. A rim-fl ow pool along the
edge of the deck appears to extend beneath it,
reinforcing the sense that the house is 'fl oating'
while fusing the foreground with the distant views
of the Pacifi c Ocean.
e straight-lined city grid below is picked up as an
'ordering principle' for the structure and program
of the house. Its geometry is in alignment with the
urban activity below, yet fl oating above the bustle.
VUE ON | ARCHITECTURE
VUENJ.COM 75
