This unique 5-bedroom villa is set on a 2913sqm site in the coastal town of Betty’s Bay, directly adjacent to the Harry Porter Botanical Gardens and surrounded by scenic forest and mountains. The concrete and timber clad villa takes its cue from the landscape, with two wings shifted above a dry river bed, raised on pilotis in order to maximise views from within the tree canopy and retain as much of the indigenous forest floor below as possible. Sustainable features include use of FSC rated cross-laminated timber structure, on-site blackwater treatment, naturally ventilated design, rainwater storage and re-use and solar water heating. The building has been sited to take advantage of views and north orientation, and responds to the different ‘terrestrial identities’ of the site. The programme links these naturally occurring pockets of space on the site, carefully avoiding existing trees, and maximising views and natural light.