This house is situated on Otago Peninsula above the Harbours edge. The house was designed for an Architect and his wife. Two have subsequently become three and the house now also provides well-lit, warm spaces with interesting views for a busy 18 month old boy.

Views are available through 270 degrees and the living areas enjoy extensive views of Otago Harbour and Dunedin City on one side and rolling rural hills on the other.

The house is made up of two rectangular forms slid apart in plan along a central axis.  This provides sheltered external spaces that take advantage of the views, sun and shelter from strong prevailing winds.  Circulation through the house follows the same central axis.  The mechanism that enables the forms to slide is a centrally located ‘storage wall’ clad in vertical Macrocarpa that runs from outside, to inside then outside again.  The ‘storage wall’ becomes the backbone of the house.

Living spaces are contained on the upper levels together with bedrooms and other private spaces. Sliding doors provide large amounts of transparency and allow the living areas to become covered, semi-outdoor spaces while still maintaining privacy.  The lower level contains extensive parking, storage and garage areas away from view.

The house is clad in folding metal cladding along its length with infill panels of glass, Macrocarpa and black stained plywood.

NZIA Southern Architecture Award 2016 - Housing