Prospect House

Set on a generous site in Mt Eden, Prospect House is a thoughtfully crafted family home that balances openness, privacy and a strong connection to place. The design brief called for a home that felt relaxed and liveable, while also offering a sense of sanctuary and celebrating views to Maungawhau and the wider Mt Eden landscape. Inspiration came from the client’s memories of her grandparents’ mid-century home – a house built around a central courtyard, with a warm, tactile material palette and a strong sense of atmosphere. These qualities have been reinterpreted in a contemporary way, with a consistent use of materials such as warm cedar, soft limestone, matt lichen-toned joinery and crazy paving that flows seamlessly from indoors to out. The layout unfolds through a series of connected spaces centred on landscaped courtyards, including a pool area linked by glazed walkways. A two-storey atrium with clerestory windows brings light deep into the interior, balancing openness with privacy. Detail and craftsmanship are evident throughout – from over 12,000 hand-laid limestone batons to 9,000 lineal metres of cedar. Exposed stained timber beams, complex concrete slabs and the excavation of volcanic rock under the site reflect the high level of coordination and care involved. This project was a genuine collaboration between architect, interior designer and builder – a process defined by clear communication, a shared mid-century design sensibility, and a commitment to delivering quality at every level. With four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a focus on material richness and indoor-outdoor flow, Prospect House is a modern family home that quietly honours the past while looking confidently to the future.