NZIA AWARD WINNER 2019

This house is sited on the edge of an established olive grove. The grove is set on a natural amphitheatre falling to the North East. The house sits over the olive trees with views to the outer harbour beyond. The dwelling is for a couple moving permanently to Waiheke Island from a busy city life.

A simple black timber clad, low gable form is the first impression as you approach through the olive trees. This roof drapes over both internal and exterior spaces on the upper ground floor. Paradise rock walls form a base, anchoring the house to the land. The rockwork encloses the lower level rooms and provides a terrace connecting the house and land.

Aluminium joinery and timber shutters pocket away to control light, views and cross ventilation through the house. A central stair flooded with light connects the two levels. A simple colour palette of black and natural stone provide a backdrop for the grey/green olive trees. This exterior palette continues through interior detailing and finishes to complete a unified design.

Design
Matt Chaplin

Interiors
Client / Matt Chaplin

Landscape
Natural Habitats

Engineer
HFC Ltd

Photography
Simon Devitt