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WINNER: 2022 Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects.

This house, on a dramatic cliff top site in Nelson, takes in uninterrupted views across Tasman Bay/Te Tai-o-Aorere. The Client's brief was to the point. “A Modern cool looking house that made the most of the views, particularly looking toward Haulashore Island and Tahunanui Beach".

The design response was to create a simple but strong form bending and cantilevering delicately toward north and Haulashore Island. Also opening the heart of the house up to a rear courtyard protected from the sea breeze. Expansive views to the beach were made possible by incorporating a moveable external sunscreen over the large west facing windows.

Inside and out, the concept takes cues from the jagged fin type rocks at the sea edge below. Water is expressed both by creating decks around and over a pond at the rear and running all roof water via custom designed rain chains in the front.

Materials are a balance of metal and timber cladding. The house has very high levels of insulation, unique passive heating systems, motorized sliding sun screens, and generates its own power.

Custom designed rain chains, nautical colours and screens shaped with influence from the jagged rocks below all give reference to the coastal location.

Products used in
The Cliffs

About the
Professional

MODO Architects operates with the simple overriding desire to produce buildings of poetic beauty and place. We have a responsibility to create buildings that respond to and engage with people and landscape, both visually and sustainably. MODO Architects are skilled in a wide range of architectural design from residential, multi-unit residential, commercial, education, community, interior and landscape.

For us the first and most important stage of the architectural process is to understand and empathize with you, the client. Having an architect that can step into your shoes and see the project from your perspective is essential. We are based in Auckland but spend several days per month in and around Nelson on projects. We are used to working remotely so can take on projects anywhere. 

At ArchiPro we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.