St Marks Lane, Queenstown banner

A new build in Queenstown featuring stunning views of The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu inspired a unique house to complement the setting.

A solid mass buried into the ground at basement level provides the functional spaces of the house, garage, laundry, rumpus room and the essential drying room for winter and summer sports. 

Entry to the house for visitors however is via a sheltered northern courtyard at street level. This is encased in cast insitu walls, allowing only a glimpse of the magnificent views revealed as you enter the house at mid level. The peaks of the top floor roofline follow the contours of the mountain range beyond and provide an intriguing accent.

The mid level of the house contains the kitchen and dining areas and also a sunken lounge, perfect for a hot toddy and fondue session in front of the fire after a hard day on the slopes. Sliding doors open seamlessly to the view and a substantial terrace beyond.

Neighbours have been blocked by the use of cast insitu walls. These provide both privacy and a sense of solidity, in contrast to the uninterrupted glazing of the living level.

The feature staircase is expressed as a glazed slot running through the center of the house and again ensures the view is unimpeded.

Bedrooms and bathrooms are situated on the top floor and in contrast to the concrete of the mid level this has been encased in a dark metal cladding. High-level windows allow the northern sun to enter and the glazing fills the void between the floating roof forms and the walls.

Dorrington Atcheson Architects
Auckland

Products used in
St Marks Lane, Queenstown

About the
Professional

Twenty years of experience coupled with an enduring spirit of youthful enthusiasm is the yin-yang balance that makes Dorrington Atcheson Architects a team that has produced so many award-winning buildings for their clients.

While every project calls for a fresh eye and an innovative approach, directors Tim Dorrington and Sam Atcheson also draw upon their considerable experience within the New Zealand marketplace.

Specialising in residential design, but with a proven track record in retail and office environments, this boutique company has quietly made their mark on the built environment, winning several NZIA awards.

Their methodology is highly collaborative, so while DAA favours contemporary design that takes its cue from mid-century modernism, its role is not to dictate but to engage with the requirements of home-owners and clients. Responding to site, budget and idiosyncrasies is all in a day’s work.

This honest approach is reflected in the materiality of their buildings where natural products are celebrated. Dorrington Atcheson Architects design functional spaces with measured proportions, a simplicity of structure and just enough surprise to delight.