Kinloch Bridge House

Situated on an angular site overlooking the Jack Nicklaus Golf Course in Kinloch, this 229m² contemporary home reflects the natural tones of the surrounding landscape and blends gracefully into the hillside. The house stretches the length of the site, with each main room angled from the next, creating a slightly different outlook wherever you are, continuously taking advantage of breath-taking views of Lake Taupo and the golf course below.

Extensive use of low-maintenance Colorsteel cladding grounds the building, and cedar-clad walls merge into the landscape, giving a bold form with a natural softness. The extended eaves and automatically controlled clerestory windows help to ventilate the home and control solar gain in summer, while the polished concrete floors release natural warmth in winter. The house also features a Maxraft fully insulated concrete slab, hydronic underfloor heating, and electric fires for ambiance.

The entry door is concealed behind cedar battens to provide a level of privacy and focus. As you enter the home, you are greeted immediately by an expansive view through large sliding doors to the golf course on the other side. Exterior materials are brought inwards with large, dark sliding doors separating bedrooms from living areas, contrasted by soft cedar interior walls. Discreet LED strip lighting is used extensively throughout the home, with lapped plywood ceilings concealing the lighting within the laps.

The master bedroom, located on the southern end of the property, captures views of the Western Bays of Lake Taupo. As you transition through the house to the living and dining areas, expansive windows take in the evolving view and soak in the seasonal changes of the golf course and Kinloch beyond.

Once again, the landscape’s natural hues are featured throughout the centrally located kitchen. The hub of the house has a discreet scullery, accessed via a hidden door panel, and metal lockers form part of the kitchen, adding a playful yet practical aspect as a bespoke gin and whisky bar.

A relaxed media room spills out onto the adjoining deck areas and leads down to the kids' bedrooms at the rear of the house.

The upper level is comprised of a self-contained studio apartment, which is accessed by guests via a street-level bridge. The cedar-batten bridge carries through cedar features from the main entrance and creates a continuity of style. With room for four, this space offers a comfortable living area, bespoke built-in bunk beds, kitchenette, and upper deck area that complement the main house perfectly.

Designed by Fraser Cameron Architects.

Built by Beechtree Building.

Entry door joinery - Cromptons Joinery.

Kitchen joinery - Stu Martin Joinery.

Lighting design - Coombes and Gabbie 

Photos - Joel McDowell.