The Karl Residence is situated in the dramatic landscape of the in the Hill Country Estate above the Black Barn winery and restaurant in Havelock North. The estate features its own golf course and tennis courts and tennis/golf pavilion.
The site demanded something special…

The repetition of the grape vines in the surrounding landscape are echoed in the repetition of the expressed laminated timber post and beam structure. A nod to Richard Neutra.
The strict grid design rational is referenced in the plan (and in section) in the column and window and door aperture articulation. This is also a deliberately predominantly timber structure.

The spatial design articulation has good definition between public and private spaces.
It is designed to create separation and privacy to the childrens bedrooms (ensuited) to the east corner. The arrival sequence is past these rooms into the central entrance gallery and stairwell space to the rear of two storied volume. The entrance gallery linking directly to the living spaces on the ground floor which extend to courtyard spaces .The spaces around the building being as important as the space within. The stairwell linking to the two master bedrooms above (each with their own dressing room and ensuite with a view) acting as a light well and defining the private vs public space. Entertaining spaces are to the north and west as they are typically used in the afternoon and evenings.

The design is aesthetically simple and practical in terms of energy efficiency.
The long horizontal site platform is echoed in the pure simple forms to the design. The roofline running parallel across the site between the buttressed ends walls with the second storey being a simple symmetrical pure form suspended above the ground plane.
Rising up as the ridge horizon line does behind it. Surveying the landscape below.
The dark and natural colours of the cedar cladding blending and receding into the landscape rather than standing out.

Passive solar gains are maximised. All the bedrooms and living rooms facing north to maximise the natural light and views. Energy efficiency design principles of spatial articulation are incorporated with larger rooms (living and bedrooms) positioned to the front (the north) with smaller service rooms and garaging to the south.

Insulation is stepped up in the roof to R 5.0 together with double glazed windows and doors also underfloor insulation of 100mm polystyrene. The solar charged underfloor heating system runs off a gas boiler which with a large reservoir also heats the houses potable hot water. Dual flush toilets reduce water consumption as do water saving taps and showerheads.

Natural light admittance through high stud windows together with attention to the natural ventilation systems to create natural ventilation and air circulation.
The house has bespoke LED lighting throughout, sourced locally.