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The project’s signature material was discovered on a trip to a recycled brick yard, where Welsch and the homeowners found light, cream-colored bricks and fell in love. "It was a decision made on the spot," explains Welsch. The original plan was to find darker materials that would make the home feel more cozy and cave-like, but the way these bricks reflected the sunlight was just irresistible. "You don’t necessarily expect that soft light feeling from a material like brick."

Built at a 45-degree angle on the site, the home stretches out over the property to make use of every inch of land. The unusual layout also gives every room a vista into another space.

The exterior of the home, with its playful sprinkle of blue and white bricks, matches the interior finish, creating a connection between indoors and outdoors.

Solar panels line the roof to soak up the Australian sun. The home doesn’t use any gas—the cooktop is induction, and heating and hot water come from a heat pump.

The Jerusalem limestone extends from the inside out, creating continuity between the great room and terrace.

Copper exterior fixtures, including the lights, downspouts,

The bedroom walls are painted TK.

Mystery novels line the shelves that conceal the hidden door, hinting that there's more than meets the eye.

The bookcase ladder was one of the most challenging aspects of the design. "It gave me heart palpitations for a long time,

The sculptural chimney breast and 60-inch void skylight accentuate the height of the room.

The bookcase in the great room holds about 3,500 books. Several hundred more can be found in the living room, and on the floor-to-ceiling shelves in Zeke and Teasel's offices.

After: The living room overlooks the great room below. Now when you walk in the house, you can see clear out to the trees in the back—an idea sparked by an interior designer friend who commented that the most important aspect of a design is what you see when you walk in the front door.

Floor Plan of the House of Cascade

The home’s expansive terrace and garden tows the line between privacy and connection. “You'll feel more in tune with nature—embracing sunlight, wind, and the sky—and loosely connected to the urban landscape,” shares Nakamura.

“The glass facade and expansive windows create a sense of spaciousness and depth, surpassing the actual living area,” the couple shares. “Privacy is fully maintained, granting us the freedom to revel in a newfound sense of space.”