The brief was to create a robust home for a young family capitalising on the stunning views over Lake Hawea to the mountains beyond.

© Mickey Ross

Architects: Condon Scott Architects Ltd

Location: Wanaka, New Zealand

Design Team: Barry Condon, Sarah Scott

Builder: Thomas Moore Builders Ltd

Area: 280.0 sqm

Project Year: 2014

Photographs: Mickey Ross

© Mickey Ross

From the architect. The brief was to create a robust home for a young family capitalising on the stunning views over Lake Hawea to the mountains beyond.

© Mickey Ross

SiteThe house is located on a north facing section on the shores of Lake Hawea in the South Island of New ZealandThe site rises eight metres from a broad street frontage to an elevated narrow point at the rear.
© Mickey Ross

DesignThe design uses the topography of the site to create a split level configuration with garage at ground floor level, the main living spaces at a half level higher and the guest bedroom spaces a half level higher again positioned over the garage space.

Floor Plan

These levels are linked by short flights of steps, giving a barely noticable transition. The entry approach is a series of steps and landings guiding the visitor up to the entry foyer without the sense of ascending a flight of s...