The house is situated on a plot with a difference in elevation about half a floor, sloping down away from the curb. Also a number of trees are already present within the site. The intention was to maintain as much of the natural slope of the site and as many trees as possible. To achieve that you enter the house at the level of the street and then either proceed half a level up to the bedrooms or half a level down to the kitchen area. Since the site slopes half a level down a shaded outdoor space is created beneath the bedrooms. The circulation around a central opening creates a more private outdoor space within the yard. This central atrium in the center of the house allows for natural light throughout the house and also southern direct sunlight into the living spaces and the bedrooms.