Villa AT: A Masterpiece of Contemporary Architecture

Unveiling Todd Saunders' Award-Winning Design that Marries Landscape and Innovation

Designed with a profound understanding of the site's unique characteristics, Villa AT is a product of meticulous planning and innovative design. The clients' intimate knowledge of the land, including the best views, wind patterns, and the changing light throughout the seasons, played a significant role in shaping the design. Saunders' design philosophy is rooted in respect for the landscape, a principle that is clearly reflected in Villa AT.

What sets Villa AT apart is its unique L-shaped floor plan that pivots around a long curved glass façade, offering cinematic views of the landscape. The house stands in contrast to conventional boxy forms with its curving façade that uses wood in a fluid, contemporary way. Thin timber slats gently curve around the façade to create strong but soft forms, giving the Villa AT a serene, minimal appearance from a distance, but revealing a rough texture of timber slats up close.

The house sits on a podium, with wraparound terraces and steps that accommodate the changes in level and a roof that extends over the external spaces to create shelter from the weather. Steps made of local stone lead down to a swimming pool and terrace overlooking the water; the pool is treated as a strong geometric element set amidst the existing natural contours. Inside, finishes and fittings use a simple, reduced palette, with white walls and wooden floors throughout. Slatted timber ceilings mirror the exterior façade, which in turn evoke the area’s traditionally built houses.

The design process was not without challenges. Saunders describes it as a 'riddle,' with the team constantly seeking better solutions. The breakthrough came when Saunders began sketching with cardboard and a glue gun, leading to the softer forms that combine functional design with the flow of daily life.

Completed in 2018, Villa AT covers an area of 310 m2 and contains three bedrooms and a guesthouse, all arranged across a single level. The design was awarded Platinum in A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2019, recognizing its world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative design that contributes to societal wellbeing.

Ultimately, Villa AT is a testament to how contemporary forms and techniques can enhance the close relationship between place and form. It stands as a shining example of Todd Saunders' commitment to respecting the landscape while pushing the boundaries of architectural design.