Wai-Whakaata

Set on a sloping site, surrounded by panoramic views of the Queenstown Mountain range, this site captures the stunning natural beauty of New Zealand’s alpine landscape. The land is raw, covered in native grasses and scattered with large schist outcrops. The building is anchored to the ground, with rammed concrete walls sinking into the landscape. The pitch of the roof rises, following the contours of the ground plane, with an expansive oculus that focuses on and frames one of the range’s most prominent peaks. Orientated north-west, the oculus captures the ever-changing skies of New Zealand. As the weather patterns shift, the sun arcs across the sky, rising and setting behind the mountains. While at night the stars slowly sweep across the void. Underneath the oculus is an elevated courtyard that provides a private space for sheltered outdoor living. At its edge’s, lies two sunken courtyards: one for private bathing, and one for cooking with fire. Guided to the front door by an angled concrete wall on the building’s southern face, you enter through a large pivoting door. You hear the chirps of birds in a circular aviary. Within the home’s interiors you sense the tension between retreat and expanse. There is an open plan kitchen and dining area, living space with a fireplace that hunkers into the back corner and faces out to a wall of curved glazing, with pivoting doors opening to the courtyard. The home boasts framed views in every direction, with apertures at the end of the two corridors that lead to private bedrooms. At the end of one wing, you find a generous main bedroom, with ensuite, and external access to a private spa. In the other, a second bedroom, and guest suite, which can be occupied independently from the main home, and serve as a luxury rental. Natural materials flow organically from the exterior to the interior of the house, rammed concrete walls with organic layers are reminiscent of the surrounding mountains. Complemented by dark timber cabinetry and softened by linen curtains and woolen rugs. A dark charred hardwood timber ceiling is recessive to enhance the curved frame of the oculus, with stone ballast to the roof. The lower floor is a dream garage for an avid car enthusiast, with circular parking around a central car turntable, a car workshop, and a media room with a bar. The home is for a couple with an appreciation for the beauty of this special environment, who sought a place of refuge from the elements, and found it in a home that is unique, robust, and timeless.