Wairarapa House

From the street, the majority of this house hunkers into its site, the concrete forms anchoring the building to the ground, creating a sense of durability and longevity. While above, a single, copper-and-cedar-clad form reaches for the sky—a vertical counterpoint to the low-slung horizontal lines that make up the ground floor level. “Upon entry, a highly transparent stair and sunroom create a view shaft from the front door to the Wairarapa Stream beyond,” says Sam Fastier. “From here it becomes apparent that the design of the house informs a courtyard shape that protects the outdoor living and pool areas from the prevailing southerly and easterly winds. “Landscaping cleverly brings water to the edges of the building, seeking to further blend the architecture into the stream’s edge and establish a strong connection to the water.” From this rear elevation, the true intent of that copper and cedar sculptured box is discernible. “Sitting elevated and cantilevered high above the streetscape, this edifice maximises the views over the Wairarapa Stream for a luxurious master bedroom suite situated behind full-width, full-height glazing.” Downstairs, large sliding doors slide freely behind the steel portal frames supporting the first floor, deliberately extending beyond the glazing line to play with the interface between interior and exterior. Copper and travertine surfaces are dressed between expressed structural elements of concrete and steel to create an enduring, timeless home. One that seeks not only to enjoy, but also to enhance the existing natural resource it overlooks for many years to come. Photography credit: Lightforge