This house, on a Marlborough vineyard, takes cues from traditional Japanese architecture with interconnecting pavilions set upon a rock base. The rock base, built up to the level of the Spring Creek stop bank, visually anchors the house to the site and allows for generous views over the water to the north and the vineyard to the south.

The spaces between the main pavilions act as a playful segue connecting rooms internally and shading externally. Large sliding external glass doors allow the main living pavilion to be completely opened to outside, while large sliding oak doors allow for flexible use of the internal space.

The materials include exposed dark oxide concrete floors and precast concrete walls with cedar, oak and plywood. These materials have been left natural wherever possible.

The concrete is heated by both direct sun through expansive northern and from an array of solar hot water panels

This project was designed by Brendon during his time at Arthouse Architecture.

Awards: N.Z.I.A. Nelson/Marlb design Award 2010

Photos: Simon Devitt

Project Architect: Brendon Monk