Okura House

Nestled in a tree lined enclave, this retreat in rural surroundings provides an everyday getaway from city working life.

Simplicity with a wow factor was a key part of the clients brief - a palette of traditional-rural and stark-modern materials, blended with the traditional comforts of vernacular forms was soon agreed upon and the resultant balance provides the residents with a well-articulated sense of warmth and space.

As one moves through the open layout, different views across the site are framed by a variety of window shapes and placements, some inviting access to a multitude of outdoor living options.

The sun soaked northern decks enjoy a private and sheltered aspect, cloistered by established trees along the boundary. The entertaining patio, directly off the kitchen / living area, has been a pleasant surprise for the clients, and become the preferred spot to lazily unwind outdoors - poolside. The western covered deck captures the lower evening sun, on still summer evenings.

The home needed to be comfortable and functional, offering open plan living with spaces that interact while ensuring plenty of privacy for quieter zones of the house.

Ground and polished aggregate concrete throughout harnesses the passive thermal energy of the ground as it heats throughout the day, complemented by the additional control of underfloor heating.

The building, finished in horizontally clad cedar, is given a rich quality with a honey hued stain which harmoniously integrates the architecture back into the landscape.