The seamless blend of architecture and landscape
Images Simon Wilson | simonwilson.co.nz
Words Nikita Oliver Metcalfe
With stunning ocean views to the east and farmland views to the west, this uniquely designed house strategically faces due north, making the most of the sun and the breathtaking setting. For owners Pete and Maria, the seclusion and views the site offers are what initially drew them to the land, making it imperative to create a house that enhanced and encapsulated both.
Hoping to blend their home with the natural landscape they approached John from Studio John Irving Architects with basic specifications; four bedrooms, flow and function. “I can still recall the meeting where John scribbled the concept in front of my wife and I,"” says Peter, “it was perfect, he’s a genius.”
A simple yet ingenious design in a triangular shape, with its point sitting like a compass marking north, the home settles into the topography of the landscape seamlessly. "We didn't design the form to be clever or overly sculptural. It was a response to the site," says John. Organic and unobtrusive, the structure is softened by weathered cedar cladding and an intentional lack of garden, instead having grass grow right up to the walls. "It's a house in a paddock with no distinction, as if the sheep could wander straight in," explains John.
The master bedroom with ensuite and primely positioned deck occupy the apex of the dart, while the open-plan kitchen, living and dining sit proudly in the middle section, bookended by a large fireplace and the kitchen's expansive raw-concrete island bench. The broadest section houses three additional bedrooms, the main bathroom plus laundry and entry to the home which adopts a clever detail; floating in a metal frame, visitors step up into the entry door, arriving in the house elevated before descending into the living areas where the view reveals itself.
The home captures enchanting views of Hen and Chicken Islands, Sail Rock, as well as both Great and Little Barrier Islands from its eastern vantage point, while to the west, it overlooks pristine native bush near the Brynderwyn Hills. With two robust Hardwood Vitex decks, one either side of the living area, there’s always somewhere to enjoy the views no matter which way the wind is blowing, and if it’s a still day, well the entire open heart of the home is a truly spectacular feature.
Western Red Cedar is present both inside and out, providing further connection with the landscape and offering continuity with cedar panelling gracing the living space, gallery, hallway, and master bedroom. Rich American White Oak flooring creates a sense of expansive openness inside, accentuated by soaring ceilings in the spacious open-plan living area. Seemingly small yet significant details, like the kitchen's black glass splashback subtly mirroring and reflecting back the impressive views, further exemplify the seamless flow that has been created.
An exceptional project, Peter admits it was a complex build with so many different angles and lengths involved. He compliments their builder, Marcus Jones, and his outstanding team for working with John to meticulously craft this distinct design into a reality, saying “we couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
www.StudioJohnIrving.com | 09 337 0737
