A young family wished to build a five bedroom villa to live in for 3-6 months of the year on a steep hillside site overlooking Mahon harbour. From this stunning site views out to the port, ocean and hillside were used to locate the public and private areas of the house. An infinity pool obscures foreground views of neighbouring buildings and is partially shaded by teak pergolas. The layout hinges around an island kitchen, as the client loves to cook and entertain. The family live outside in the summer, so an external living room with fire -place forms the central circulation space of the house. With the fire lit in the chill of the evening, stunning views over the town and ocean are enjoyed from outdoor dining. The house is divided into separate pavilions linked by external walkways cut into the hillside and protected from the intense heat with vegetation and pergolas. The roofs of these pavilions become private garden areas and sun terraces for guests and their teenaged children.