The client brief was to conceive a house with high design content introducing changes of level, mezzanines, cantilevered elements, and appropriate roof forms.  Designing a 500m2 house on a 400m2 block dictates a well-considered form and richly detailed, intimate inside/outside relationships. The unique corner site adjacent to a lane makes it fundamentally different to the facade based emphasis of its terraced neighbours.  The location makes an invitation to express an articulated ‘book stop’ that wraps to the laneway.  Key design determinants are the views of Lake Burley Griffin and the available solar access.  These constraints have largely dictated the plan form and massing on a limited site.