Stepping House, located on the edge of the Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve, is defined by its site constraints and a client brief which demanded seclusion and peacefulness.

On approach, the house is not visible, sheltered by a robust stone wall that divides public and private. Entering the house, the key signature of stepping levels becomes apparent. As you gradually step up the site, a series of north facing living zones are accessed off a brick corridor. All levels are connected to the northerly garden via a series of stepping decks.

Clad in charcoal painted vertical timber the form is recessive and unassuming. The interior palette is deliberately restrained and references the colouring of the surrounding eucalypts.

Stepping House maintains the qualities that underpinned its mid-century predecessors of harmony with landscape and modesty in footprint. More importantly, it provides its owner with a serene and private domain with endurance at heart.