The house is situated on a spacious site along the gentle lower slopes of Te Mata Peak, bordering the Tukituki River. It sits on old river terraces, where the rich, fertile soil was a key attraction.
The owners, passionate gardeners, wanted a family home for themselves and their two children. Their vision included a pool for hot summer days, a covered outdoor room, and ample space for large trees and productive gardens.
Designed to blend with the landscape, the house follows the natural contours of the land, gently stepping downward beneath a long, single-pitch roof. Entry from the driveway is through a covered walkway beside the garage, leading into the main living areas. These north-facing spaces open onto a partially covered outdoor room overlooking the pool.
The living areas are oriented east, north, and west to maximize natural light and connect with sheltered outdoor spaces. The upper living room extends westward, offering a framed view of Te Mata Peak through the bare branches of driveway trees in winter.
At the heart of the home is the kitchen, dining, and family area, seamlessly connected to the covered outdoor space. A separate TV/den caters to the children and can be closed off with large sliding doors, while the upper living area serves as a retreat for the parents.
The bedroom wing runs north to south, positioned at the eastern end to capture the morning sun while a large eave provides shade during the hotter months.
The house is clad in dark-stained horizontal cedar weatherboards, echoing the deep tones of the surrounding landscape and nearby Andy Coltart houses. White panelled elements introduce a contrasting rhythm reminiscent of traditional farmhouses, much like a magpie’s distinctive markings.
Sustainability Statement:
The house is built predominantly using materials with low carbon footprints. The structure is made of mostly timber, with minimal use of structural steel elements forming the roof. The majority of exterior cladding is Western Red Cedar, interior trims are a mixture of Pine and Eucalyptus Saligna and ceilings and joinery are predominantly Okoume plywood. Walls are 140mm thick to allow R4 insulation, and the ceilings have R5 insulation. Windows are double glazed and the concrete slab is insulated underneath and at the perimeter. Areas of the concrete floor are left exposed and are designed to operate as a heat sink, collecting and storing heat during the day and releasing it in the evening.
The roof form and plan are arranged to allow morning sun in and offer outside areas with flexibility to suit different weather conditions. Eaves are shaped and sized to mediate the north and west sunlight throughout the year. The plan shape allows for generous natural cross ventilation and cooling. Heating is combination of electric radiators and a woodburner. Rainwater is collected and stored, greywater is separated for reuse for watering gardens and blackwater is treated using a vermicomposting system and discharged on-site.
Photography – Paul McCredie