Skene House

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Nestled along the estuary’s edge, this single-storey dwelling is an intimate retreat, carefully composed to balance privacy, openness, and a deep connection to its coastal surroundings. The client envisioned a home with a small footprint yet rich in spatial experience—one that invites the breath of wind and rhythm of water

inside while sheltering moments of solitude. The entrance is defined by towering monolithic stone walls, establishing a line of privacy, whilst offering a narrow view shaft to the ocean. These walls guide the visitor’s gaze, subtly protecting the residence from the public eye. Beyond, the ho...

The entrance is defined by towering monolithic stone walls, establishing a line of privacy, whilst offering a narrow view shaft to the ocean. These walls guide the visitor’s gaze, subtly protecting the residence from the public eye. Beyond, the house unfolds with a delicate interplay of thresholds. A glass-walled living room merges seamlessly with an expansive deck, while a concealed passage behind the kitchen wall leads to the private, tranquil spaces.

Outdoor living is choreographed in response to the elements. A northern deck spills out at ground level, terracing toward a sunken firepit at the water’s edge—an intimate enclave reminiscent of a ship’s stern, where flames flicker against the tide. To the south, a second courtyard nestles between house and studio, fully shielded from coastal winds and encased in a lush native garden. Here, vertical cedar, stone, and grey plaster form a restrained palette, allowing the ever-changing light of the evening sun to animate the surfaces.

Now settled, the home breathes with the sea. Doors slide open, blurring the line between shelter and shore. Waves murmur, the scent of salt lingers, sheer curtains ripple in the breeze. Light dances on water, on glass, on walls—a seaside sanctuary in every sense.

Category: Residential
Region: Redcliffs, Canterbury, NZ
Year of completion: 2023
Price range to build: $0.5m - $1m

Home/Projects/Residential/New Builds/Single House

Professionals used in Skene House

MC Architecture StudioArchitects

Parsons ConstructionBuilders

MC Architecture Studio (MCAS) works from an uncompromising commitment to innovative, distinctive design and outstanding client service. Each project is unique and is tailored to the specific challenges of the physical site and the precise functionality required by the client. Sensitivity to the wider potential of design is key to the studio process, incorporating awareness of innovative materials and practices as well as aligning with all sustainable features and methods possible within the context of each project. MCAS works closely and consistently in partnership with clients and consultants, responding to needs and maintaining a global outlook that nurtures industry leadership.

Max was exposed to the foundations of design from an early age and worked at his father’s practice in his native Rome. He completed a Masters in architecture and later established his own practice also in Rome. In 2007 he moved to New Zealand and worked with Athfield Architects before establishing MC Architecture Studio ltd.

Collaboration is a consistent feature of the studio and Max is committed to developing local and international networks to cross-pollinate ideas and maintain his connection and currency with best practice and new conceptual thinking. He strongly believes that interaction develops professionalism and human potential.

Although strongly influenced by European standards, processes and aesthetics, Max takes inspiration from many sources. He has travelled extensively and completed his master’s thesis in India where he explored low cost housing. Inspiration comes also from sports and the natural environment - the ocean and the mountains particularly – as well as music and arts.

Max is passionate about built environments that attract and inspire- whether as a public civic building, a retail space or that most personal of buildings – one’s own home.