“Contemporary open-plan living in a stunning rural context”.

Relationship to site, context, presence

The design challenge was to achieve a contemporary home with views of Mt Pirongia (to the south), while orientating to sheltered outdoor space (to the north). Making use of the generous site located just outside Hamilton, the design solution spreads the built form out horizontally for optimal solar orientation, with careful thought to glazing to capture the panoramic view.

Relationship between concept, form, structure

The house is a modern ‘pavilion’ form with a cedar-clad bedroom wing and honed block living wing. Schist has also been used externally and internally, integrating with the natural palette used in the internal colour scheme. The open plan living spaces also support entertaining, and a direct relationship to outdoor areas.

Environmental

Apart from double glazing, the house incorporates green design through building orientation, passive solar design, rainwater harvesting, and solar water heating.

Contribution/spirit

This project shows that it is possible to design a well-mannered home with the best of both worlds: a direct relationship with rural surroundings, while accommodating the needs inherent in modern family living.