This family home is located on an elevated site at the outskirts of Gisborne City and overlooks Hexton and the Poverty Bay Flats beyond. Arranged as three gabled objects, the house is connected by an undulating roof form that follows the contours of the hillside and encapsulates the vista beyond.

The articulated design creates a series of indoor and outdoor spaces. These provide a retreat from the unpredictable hillside weather patterns. The north-facing gables are fully glazed to ensure the mountain and field vistas are maintained at all times.

The design response is a strong composition of cedar-clad buildings and materiality appropriate to the mountainous surroundings, far removed from the neighbouring buildings. The main living pavilion features a large concrete wall with offset cedar formwork to match the exterior cladding of the family home. Clean, white walls to the entirety of the room further define and focus the views beyond.

Whilst compact in arrangement, the house is intended to be a sequence of experiences. The entrance is deliberately restrained to embrace the architectural form and materials. On entrance, the internal courtyard defines the journey and legibility of spaces beyond the home. From the road, the house is nestled into the hillside to ensure privacy for the family and residence.

The connected and articulated forms of the roof integrate with the surrounding environment and ensure they do not dominate or impede neighbouring properties from the same majestic scenery.

Photo Credit - DStevens