Island of calm

section focus: in a landscape
Island of calm
Developing an attractive outdoor living area within the context
of a wider landscape requires careful consideration to ensure
neither will detract from the other.

Free-style
With its organic forms and expansive views, this
outdoor living area has a strong link with nature
How do you improve on paradise?
That could well have been the question
asked in respect of the location
featured on these pages.
The owners of this beautiful private
island commissioned renowned Sardinian
architect Savin Couelle to design their
holiday retreat. But rather than just design
one home, Couelle was asked to design
two houses, which would be integrated
with the natural land forms – a signature
architectural style for Couelle.
The Up House, which is shown on
these pages, follows the natural topography
of the land, opening to an expansive
outdoor terrace. The lower storey of the
house appears as a cave-like structure,
complete with a large overhanging shelf,
covered in natural vegetation and rocks.
Savin says the organic nature of the
design is typical of his dwellings, which
are dictated by the landscape and the play
of light and shadow.
To enhance this effect, the outdoor
living area features large boulders and
rocks set into sand-coloured cement.
These appear to flow down the hillside
surrounding the house on all sides. Tucked
beside the rocks and creepers beneath the
canopy is a large barbecue area that can be
accessed directly from the kitchen.
Walls and surfaces in this area are tiled
in traditional Sardinian style, contrasting
the simplicity of the free-form door openings
and roof design. The space includes
a large, raised open fireplace with a concealed
chimney, and built in seating.
A large white table and stools are also
permanently set beneath the overhang.
Preceding pages: From the boathouse at the water’s
edge to the new houses on the hillside, this island
property provides an idyllic retreat.
Above left: Designed by Sardinian architect Savin
Couelle, the Up House on the island has an organic
form. An overhanging shelf, covered in natural
vegetation, shades a large outdoor terrace.
Top: Semi-submerged rocks enhance the natural
organic look of the pool.
Above: The spa pool is built on a higher level
overlooking the main pool.
XX Trendsideas.com
Trendsideas.com XX

Preceding pages: Rocks and boulders are set into
concrete surrounding the terrace, which looks as
though it has been carved from the hillside. This
outdoor living area includes barbecue facilities, a
raised, open fireplace, and built-in furniture. It can
be accessed directly from the kitchen.
Top and above: A two-storey boathouse provides
extra accommodation for guests. Pohutukawa
trees offer plenty of shade to terraced areas.
Right: The boathouse, designed by Sumich
Architects, has its own slipway and accommodates
a variety of small craft for boating activities.
A large swimming pool was designed
to follow the lie of the land; its colour
determined by the sea and the sky. On one
side of the pool, steps lead to a spa pool on
a higher level. This smaller pool is reminiscent
of a rock pool, its concrete base
striated as though scoured by the tide.
Down at the sea edge, a large boathouse
designed by Sumich Architects
provides additional accommodation, a
bar and a kitchen where the catch of the
day can be gutted. Shady terraces provide
a close-up view of boating activities.
XX Trendsideas.com