‘Island Rest’ is our response to our client’s brief for a contemporary family holiday home. Situated on a beautiful Isle of Wight creek; ‘Island Rest’ sits on a spacious site with direct access to the water and views of the Solent beyond. Being busy professionals with their own business, our clients wanted a special space to escape to that would bring the family together, with a focus on nature; in particular access to the Solent with all associated water activities. Given the waterside location of this project, we needed to carefully respond to the typology of the site, with particular reference to flooding. To address the flood risk, the floor level has been raised to perch on the highest point of the site - which is outside of the future flood risk zone - and the house spans out on a single level as the terrain slopes away, leaving the bedroom wing ‘floating’ over the landscape below. Landscaping was a consideration from the outset and has a very natural and organic feel, with mowed paths through wildflowers leading to and defining areas of different function and interest.