Hill House was conceived as a bastion. Standing up into the wind, it opens up to the elements on arrival and locks down on departure.

Situated high on a hill, the house overlooks the estuary of a Coromandel east coast beach.

The opposed orientation of sun and view determined the program; main block, courtyard and guesthouse

Containment and openness are the generators with light rendering its simple forms.

The buildings accommodate the needs of a quiet weekend for the owners or the demands of a large family.

Construction is from a strict palette of materials, thick concrete walls, cement render, aluminium, sun louvres, blackwood timber and glass. The reflecting pool and courtyard high walls reminds us of the seasons and time through shadow and light.

Contractor: Precision Construction

Photographer: Jackie Merring