To demand functionality of form, to derive motive from existing landscape, to build with minimal environmental and human impact, to serve the beholder and user with visual poetry, to magnify and honour the natural elements in tune with human existence.

These principles of design are exemplified in the X House residence.

Set on a south-facing promontory, encompassing panoramic views from East to West, the house benignly overlooks the sprawling developments of the main metropolitan area of the island, with the sea views stretching out along the horizon. Occupying a minimal footprint, yet maximising internal space, this building provides an elegant answer to 21^st Century living requirements. It is clear within this peaceful residence that it is a private sanctuary in which one can observe and reflect on the changing world.

The building consists of 3 storeys; one underground carved out of the rock of the hilltop, two storeys above ground mirror one another across a sliding parallel plane. Outlined with exposed steel trim, with raw set concrete and the namesake “X”.

The narrative created in this X house by Forward is one that flows and responds to human needs. The aesthetic concern is determined by function and transformed by the internal living flow linking the different areas and their purpose. The exposed concrete of the open-plan living space surrounded by the transparent sliding glass provides an illuminated arena for unrestricted movement, free-flowing life.

The building acts as a vitrine for the elements in constant flux reflected through the materiality of the structure. The evident physical substrates are exposed providing an honesty and truth to the construction, which in turn embodies the intangible nature of weather and light.