Located on the central coast of NSW, next to the Boudii National Park and with views down to Maitland Bay across the surrounding native bushland, this new house for a young family resolves the difficulties of a sloping site, bushfire regulations and also a site compressed between neighboring properties. The plan is a careful negotiation between these constraints while providing for living spaces that capture northern light and the views, as well sensitively responding to the ecology of site and the adjacent properties. Constructed from brick, the building form is defined by two wings that frame the entry sequence, some mature angophora trees and a protected flat outdoor area for the children to play. Between the two, a linking breezeway is totally operable. The upper level with its form slightly offset from that below, holds bedrooms and study. Against the northern site edge, a sunken lounge room serves as a retreat, while on the southern edge, living spaces run in a linear progression from living, kitchen and dining spaces all with northern orientation. The house can also be split in two in summer with folding doors sliding away and flyscreen’s drawn out as required. The overall form is robust and protecting but also porous and able to be opened up as required.