Perched on a steep waterfront slope, this multi level home by Koichi Takada Architects brings together luxury, light and landscape. Designed to make the most of its dramatic setting, the house steps naturally toward the water, blending modern design with organic materials. From inside, views of the water dominate, while outside, terraces, cantilevered platforms, and stone walls give the home a sense of weightlessness. Every corner of the house is designed to connect occupants to their surroundings and make the most of the changing light throughout the day.
A home that follows the land
Built on a steeply sloping waterfront lot, the house is terraced across four levels that step progressively toward the water. Sandstone walls and stacked stone features anchor the design, creating a natural dialogue with the site. Rather than reshaping the land, the architecture flows with it, using the slope to organize circulation, views, and levels of privacy.
As you move down the house, spaces open toward the waterfront, revealing balconies, terraces, and cantilevered concrete slabs that give the impression the house is floating above the landscape.
Terraced concrete platforms that seem to float
The home’s distinctive form is defined by a sequence of cantilevered concrete slabs hovering above a recessed stacked stone podium. Each slab tapers as it extends outward, enhancing the sense of levitation. From certain angles, the structure appears suspended above the land, a dramatic response to the steep waterfront site.
Water views from the moment you step inside
The moment you enter, expansive floor to ceiling windows showcase the water beyond. A glass door opens to a balcony framed by almost invisible glass railings, blurring the boundary between inside and out. Skylights and oversized sliding doors flood interiors with light, allowing the natural surroundings to shape the living experience at all hours of the day.
Sandstone, glass and a natural palette
Inside, stacked stone walls create feature surfaces throughout the home. Floor to ceiling Vitrocsa glass allows for uninterrupted views, making the landscape the centerpiece of every room. The interior palette remains calm and cohesive, emphasizing natural textures and the changing light, while giving the home a quietly luxurious feel.
Open plan living anchored by subtle details
The living room, dining area and kitchen share a continuous open plan space. A large rug and single pendant light anchor the dining table, defining the space without blocking views or flow. The layout encourages casual interaction and allows for entertaining, with smooth transitions to outdoor terraces and the garden below.
A formal dining room for gatherings
The formal dining room contrasts the open plan area with a high ceiling and a long dark wood table that seats 14. This space provides a setting for larger gatherings, balancing grandeur with intimacy through its warm materials and careful proportions.
Lower level for casual living
The lower floor of the home offers a more relaxed atmosphere, with a casual living room, dining area and bar positioned closer to the water. This level is designed for informal entertaining and easy connection to outdoor areas, letting occupants enjoy the waterfront in a less formal setting.
Outdoor lounge with stone and shelter
Adjacent to the bar, an outdoor lounge features a ceiling-mounted swing and a large sandstone wall. This sheltered outdoor space connects seamlessly to indoor areas while providing privacy, creating a playful yet grounded setting for lounging or socializing.
Pool level designed like a resort
Steps lead down from the outdoor lounge to the pool area, where large wood slat screens provide privacy and filter light. A resort style infinity pool stretches almost the full width of the house, accompanied by a sunken lounge and fire pit that offer the perfect setting for relaxation or entertaining.
Architecture revealed from the pool
From the pool, the terraced form of the house and cantilevered concrete slabs are fully visible. The cascading layers emphasize the home’s connection to the slope and water, creating a striking visual statement that balances mass and lightness.
Primary bedroom with private balcony
The primary bedroom opens onto a private balcony featuring a hanging chair and a large round black planter. Positioned to catch morning light, this retreat offers a quiet, private space away from the more social areas of the house.
Primary bathroom with outdoor shower
In the master bathroom, a sliding glass door opens to an outdoor shower. This feature allows the daily ritual of bathing to be enjoyed in connection with nature, reinforcing the home’s seamless relationship between inside and outside spaces.
This multi-level home demonstrates how architecture can respond to a challenging site with elegance and clarity. By embracing the slope and designing terraces, floating slabs and expansive glazing, Koichi Takada Architects have created a home that feels intimate and luxurious.
Photography by Tom Ferguson Photography | Architecture and Interior Design: Koichi Takada Architects | Stylist: Sarah Jayne Studios | Developer: JGroup Projects & Development
Source: Contemporist
