A luxury Queenstown residence layered with sensory experiences

Written by

25 November 2023

 • 

5 min read

The Lake House in Queenstown, New Zealand.
The Lake House in Queenstown, New Zealand.
In an intelligent response to its site and brief, The Lake House merges modern and biophilic design languages to form a contemporary, tranquil home with panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps.
Arriving from the street or lake, a sense of intrigue is immediate. Behind the boundary walls, layers of rectangular, modernist shapes are revealed. 
At the main entrance, a raised platform hovers over a pond, prompting a moment of reflection before continuing inside. The “reflection pond” is the first in a series of architectural water features curated to form a journey of sensory exploration.
In the foyer, staircases seem to float, and bannisters glow, backlit by LED lights.
Descending from the foyer, the home expands into a dramatic, open living, kitchen, and dining space complete with a pantry and wine cellar.
The living level flows freely onto an exterior pool terrace.
Louvred roofs reduce energy demands and ensure spaces can be used all year round.
An intimate grotto is recessed behind the waterfall's downpour, complemented by lush foliage.
The lowest level is met by the deep greens of an established, landscaped garden and the rich blues of Lake Wakatipu.