Glass pavilion architecture on Pearl Beach

This stunning glass pavilion weekender on Pearl Beach has been cleverly orientated to face the ocean while simultaneously taking in the stunning escarpment of the adjacent mountain range to the North. Lippmann Partnership designed the home as a series of "pods" arranged around a central courtyard, which provide protection from harsh winds and excessive sun. Sliding doors allow access to the courtyard from all sides enabling living areas to be re-configured to meet the requirements of the day or season, similar to a traditional Japanese house. The ground level glass louvred “breezeway” leads through a series of courtyards and finally to an open plan living space with stunning views of Pearl Beach and the Pacific Ocean horizon beyond. This view is gradually revealed as one moves through a series of more intimate spaces. On the upper level, there is a private retreat for the parents consisting of master bedroom, ensuite, study and roof top courtyard. The roof-scape consists of a series of flat and sloping roofs, with generous eaves and louvred overhangs designed to provide maximum solar penetration in winter while excluding the summer sun. [Photography by Willem Rethmeier].