This new residence blends a contemporary aesthetic with simple materials to create an elegant home that nestles into its environment.

With expansive ocean views, the residence sits above the Moeraki Boulders, a geological phenomenon of international significance and popular tourist attraction. Zoned an ‘Outstanding Natural Landscape’, the challenge was to provide a home on a limited building platform that nestles into the surrounding environment remaining largely unnoticed by passing tourists.

The design drew influence from the surrounding agrarian buildings through the selection of durable materials and colours. Home to the young owner/operators of the nearby Moeraki Boulders Cafe and Visitor Centre, the Clients sought a design that would respond to the changing needs of their family. The result is a residence modest in appearance and scale emphasising flexible living and casual entertaining.

The process of shifting land that gradually exposed the boulders has also shaped the planning and design process. The adjacent cafe has previously been relocated to avoid collapsing into the encroaching ocean and it is recognised that the shifting land may influence the life of this residence. Parallel gable structures are separated by a central gallery. This gallery acts as a hinge in the unlikely event of land deformation, allowing re-leveling of the pile structures or transport of each gable to a new platform if required.

Working on a modest budget and scale, this home combines a classic aesthetic with sensible planning, creating an enduring residence.