Redwood House by Chaney & Norman Architects

Redwood House

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Situated in the southwestern corner of a rear sloping site, the Redwood House overlooks an established area of Wanaka and captures views that stretch west to the lake and the mountains beyond. Terraced landscaping has been established around the home to further conceal it upon approach and enhance a feeling of solitude within suburbia. The home has been designed to accommodate an expanding wider family with a strong passion for the outdoors. A rear courtyard serves as both a graduated entry to the central living area of the house and a sheltered outdoor living area, contrasting the exposed nature of the opposite deck that opens the house to the western views. Influenced by the sloping site, the adjoining garage is elevated above the main house at the driveway level and contains a lofted office space above that captures views across the roof plane of the house to the lake and mountains beyond. The central living, kitchen, and dining spaces act as an active junction between the master suite on the northern end of the house and the bedroom wing to the south east. Sliding doors with a high thermal specification enable a strong indoor/outdoor connection between the warm toned interior and the impressive Wanaka horizon. SIPs panel construction provides a primary structure with a high level of thermal performance, airtightness, and energy efficiency. Combining this with passive design building principles such as airtight taping of SIPs junctions and window openings, the home integrates a healthy and comfortable living environment year-round. As a result of the sloping site, a singular roof plane has been used over the main house, minimising the roof-to-wall junctions that typically generate insulating and weatherproofing complexities. The singular roof plane meant that deep eaves incorporating minimal fascia profiles could be cantilevered out from the main structure and remain consistent with the low profile nature of the homes appearance. A palette of natural timbers were combined to integrate a raw and textural aesthetic on the exterior and a tactile but softened warmth on the interior. Over time, this palette has developed to coexist with the native planting in a harmonious manner. Photographer: Dion Andrews

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Chaney & Norman Architects

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Pro Clima

A thoughtfully designed family residence in Wanaka, featuring stunning lake and mountain views, a seamless indoor/outdoor connection, and sustainable SIPs construction for enhanced energy efficiency and comfort.

The home has been designed to accommodate an expanding wider family with a strong passion for the outdoors.

A rear courtyard serves as both a graduated entry to the central living area of the house and a sheltered outdoor living area, contrasting the exposed nature of the opposite deck that opens the house to the western views.

Influenced by the sloping site, the adjoining garage is elevated above the main house at the driveway level and contains a lofted office space above that captures views across the roof plane of the house to the lake and mountains beyond.

The central living, kitchen, and dining spaces act as an active junction between the master suite on the northern end of the house and the bedroom wing to the south east. Sliding doors with a high thermal specification enable a strong indoor/outdoor connection between the warm toned interior and the impressive Wanaka horizon.

SIPs panel construction provides a primary structure with a high level of thermal performance, airtightness, and energy efficiency. Combining this with passive design building principles such as airtight taping of SIPs junctions and window openings, the home integrates a healthy and comfortable living environment year-round.

As a result of the sloping site, a singular roof plane has been used over the main house, minimising the roof-to-wall junctions that typically generate insulating and weatherproofing complexities. The singular roof plane meant that deep eaves incorporating minimal fascia profiles could be cantilevered out from the main structure and remain consistent with the low profile nature of the homes appearance.

A palette of natural timbers were combined to integrate a raw and textural aesthetic on the exterior and a tactile but softened warmth on the interior. Over time, this palette has developed to coexist with the native planting in a harmonious manner.

Photographer: Dion Andrews

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Professional Reviews

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“We’re often asked what we love about our home. Put most simply, it feels good to be in every room. We love the flow, how spaces are defined and linked, and the natural light in our home. The house was designed specifically for our site. We enjoy total privacy from the road and protection from the southern aspect. As soon as we walk in the front door the house opens up to allow unimpeded views from floor to ceiling of the lake and mountains to the north. Views of more than 180 degrees from edge to edge are delivered to every living area and to the master bedroom. The small open courtyard around which our house is built is a much-loved feature. It is open to the sky and fully glazed with sliders, so it offers passage through to every side of the house as well as introducing light into every space. Because of the interior courtyard there isn’t a single corridor in our home. And it’s is a nice sheltered spot for a first coffee. The den is hunkered down on the southern side of the house so you might expect it to be colder and darker. Instead it’s a room for all seasons. We have spectacular views to the north directly through the interior courtyard and the other living areas. The winter sun streams into the den via this courtyard. We appreciate the flexibility to re-purpose the den, made possible by the courtyard. Whilst there is usually both a visual & physical connection through the fully glazed courtyard into the den, it can be closed down to give privacy to anyone wanting “time out” or a separate work space. Adjacent to the kitchen and dining area, facing north to the lake, is an outdoor room we have called our Dropzone. It is nestled a few steps down against the house for wind protection, and to allow for uninterrupted views from the kitchen out to the lake. With the roof continued over and with a glass balustrade, we can enjoy our Dropzone even in mid-winter on a sunny day. Another part of our home we love! We knew we were building a home with energy and thermal efficiency but we have tended to take it for granted until we’ve visited some other homes in winter! It’s one of the behind-the-scene things we appreciate about our house. We love our elegantly simple home with clean lines. Our architect thought outside the square to deliver what lies within the exterior walls.”

Lake Wanaka Courtyard House clients