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This project was complex in many ways, firstly as it needed to function as a holiday home/high-end holiday rental with the view to becoming a full-time home when the homeowner retires and also because the site is very steep, like many we deal with in Queenstown, says Architect Stacey Farrell.

“Working with the slope, orientation and dramatic 180-degree-plus views, the design methodology explored the shift and tilt of the rock strata, tilting and shifting materials and forms to create an abstraction, much as a tilt shift photographic lens would do.

“The result is two distinct, yet connected forms. At ground level, stone walls anchor the building against prevailing winds and recognise the rock forms of the hillside. Above, black anodised aluminium vertical weatherboards create a protective sheath, sheltering inhabitants. Between the dominant forms, horizontal cedar is revealed to mediate and wrap around, connecting the anchored stone to the tilting vertical cladding.”

The design provides five bedrooms with en suites and walk-in robes—ideal for the rental market—and two living areas. There is a focus on providing options for guests to retreat to or socialise in, as well as to capture a number of different incredible views.

As well as the bedroom suites, there are multiple outdoor areas accessible from the main, open-plan living area with an additional living area on the third floor. Downstairs there is also a gym, sauna and outdoor jacuzzi.

Stacey says the site already had a house on it, which was demolished to make way for the new one with additional excavation works carried out to accommodate updated foundations, vehicle turning and garaging and rubbish bin storage.

“The site itself is quite generous in size—1209sqm—but the useable area was basically the footprint of the previous house. Accommodating everything the client wanted while ensuring the house respected the site was definitely a challenge; this is design mark II, the original design scheme was for something less rectangular.

“What we’ve ended up with though, perfectly matches the client’s brief to the site parameters— the house feels as if it’s digging its heels in; tilting and shifting to make the most of the view. The house comprises 185sqm on the ground floor; 208sqm on the upper floor, with an additional 28sqm living space incorporated into the ceiling void.

“Then, I was able to create more outdoor living by wrapping spaces around the toe of the bank. This area, back from the lake, already had established planting that we were able to start with and which creates a sense of shelter.”

Programmatically, the house consists of three bedroom suites, gym, sauna and outdoor jacuzzi on the ground floor, with a further two bedroom suites and living areas upstairs. Stacey was also able to borrow from the ceiling height to create a mezzanine floor for another, small living area. The fifth bedroom suite is located at the rear of the house and faces into the bank. To complement its ‘tucked in’ feeling, Stacey has chosen a palette of stone tiles and earthy tones.

“The outcome has been really successful with the home fulfilling its multiple functions perfectly. There are small touches that I really love, such as the ‘hit and miss’ screen that wraps around the dining/living area and the see-through fireplace—which I had to fight to keep as the client wanted a solid fireplace—that creates a clear line of site from the terrace area through to the lake. That, and the overall flow within the home is great.”

Words by Justin Foote.
Photography by Ben Ruffell.

Working with the slope, orientation and dramatic 180-degree-plus views, the design methodology explored the shift and tilt of the rock strata, tilting and shifting materials and forms to create an abstraction.
Schist cladding on the lower level helps anchor the house to the site while cedar and aluminium cladding was used to explore the tilt and shift of the topography.
At ground level, stone walls anchor the building against prevailing winds and recognise the rock forms of the hillside.
Deep recesses speak to the thermal capacity of the home while the floating timber staircase adds a dramatic flair to the entry.
The raked ceiling, open-plan footprint and large, picture windows all work in concert to produce a space of capacious volume.
Indoor outdoor flow was an important consideration in maximising the amenity of the home, given the steep nature of the slope and limited outdoor areas outside of the building platform.
A small outdoor courtyard off the dining/living area provides a sheltered space for enjoying the outdoors.
A wrap-around screen element provides visual interest as well as mitigating solar gain without completely obstructing the view.
A room with a view: the main ensuite provides stunning views across Lake Wakatipu.
Each of the five bedroom suites has an en suite bathroom.
The rear terrace also features enviable views across the lake.

About the
Professional

Stacey Farrell is an Architect who strives to produce remarkable bespoke architecture from her architectural practice in Queenstown, New Zealand, and a satellite office in Sydney, Australia. She works with local and international clients on residential projects specialising in considered design along passive house principals.

Her design focused studio leverages Stacey's latitude of experience to deliver truly special spaces custom designed for every client.

In all the work Stacey does she strives for low impact on the earth, long-lasting joy and quality, and high thermal performance. She is highly experienced with Passive House design principals and ideology along with leading edge building technologies including SIP (Structural Insulated Panel) construction.

Stacey is a member of the New Zealand Registered Architects Board, and the New Zealand Architects Co-operative Society.

Stacey's architectural expertise has been recognised by her peers with her performing duties as a Jury Convenor and Local Awards Juror for New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) and as a National Juror for Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ).

Stacey Farrell graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from Auckland University. Stacey is a New Zealand Registered Architect.

Publications:

"Homes for our Time 2" by Phillip Jodidio. Taschen.

"Cape to Bluff" by Simon Devitt Photography.

"Big House Small House - New Homes by New Zealand Architects" by John Walsh and Patrick Reynolds.

"Small House Living - Inspiring New Zealand Houses Less Than 90m2" by Catherine Foster.

"Small Holiday Houses" by Catherine Foster.

"Modern Houses in Black" by Susan Redman

*Wallpaper, The Local Project, Home Magazine, Pendulum, Grand Designs Magazine UK, NZ Life and Leisure, Urbis, NZ House and Garden, Architecture NZ, The Australian Women's Weekly, New Zealand Herald, Canvas magazine, ProDesign, Remix, Alfresco, Interior Detail(s), New Zealand on Holiday, New Zealand Retail Business Magazine

Television:

Designing Dreams SkyOpen (NZ), Season 2 Episode 3. 

The Black House part one was featured as a finalist in ‘Best of New Zealand Home Design’. NZ Living Channel.

Extreme Homes HGTV USA.

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