The Cliffs

WINNER: 2022 Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects. This house, on a dramatic cliff top site in Nelson, takes in uninterrupted views across Tasman Bay/Te Tai-o-Aorere. The Client's brief was to the point. “A Modern cool looking house that made the most of the views, particularly looking toward Haulashore Island and Tahunanui Beach". The design response was to create a simple but strong form bending and cantilevering delicately toward north and Haulashore Island. Also opening the heart of the house up to a rear courtyard protected from the sea breeze. Expansive views to the beach were made possible by incorporating a moveable external sunscreen over the large west facing windows. Inside and out, the concept takes cues from the jagged fin type rocks at the sea edge below. Water is expressed both by creating decks around and over a pond at the rear and running all roof water via custom designed rain chains in the front. Materials are a balance of metal and timber cladding. The house has very high levels of insulation, unique passive heating systems, motorized sliding sun screens, and generates its own power. Custom designed rain chains, nautical colours and screens shaped with influence from the jagged rocks below all give reference to the coastal location.