To access this well-disguised sanctuary, residents first have to bypass the garage at the front of the house using a sheltered stone pathway that leads directly into the kitchen. Greeted by a huge kitchen island counter, there is the option to head upstairs, or continue through the kitchen to a sheltered deck area that sits right next to an extremely inviting swimming pool. Sectioned off from the water by a series of glass panels, and complete with a barbecue, the area offers both privacy, and the perfect place to relax on days when the weather is at its best. Even though the project could be classified as an extension, it actually managed to reduce the size of the houseby the time it was finished. This was done without compromising the spaciousness of the home, which used a number of chiseled voids and forms to give certain rooms an extremely cavernous feel. Balconies that overlook various parts of the house, also served to improve the amount of space, and give the building a sense of connection. As you can see for yourself in the galley below, the end result is nothing short of a well-disguised inner city sanctuary. [photography by Scott Burrows]