in contrasts out

The resulting home consists of two intersecting forms carefully oriented to the views and to maintain privacy. It sits at the edge of an existing fruit orchard on a small rise looking towards the coast.

The main volume is wrapped in dark grey, creating a protective shell that is durable and easy to maintain. Its roof is folded diagonally to create a gently sculptural form which is at home in the landscape. This is intersected by a lower cedar-lined ‘box’. The two forms are read on both the exterior and the interior through contrasting materials and roof forms. Natural concrete pavers anchor the house and round out the textures.

The simple material palette of cedar and concrete continues inside, where the dark grey is replaced by white painted walls and ceilings. Entering from the north and passing through a short hallway, the space opens to the main living area and expansive views. Sliding doors to the deck open completely, disappearing through a slot in the wall and extending the living space seamless out onto the deck. To one side, a lower ceiling and oiled cedar lining create a cosy space to relax at the end of the day. The master suite and guest bedroom are tucked away on the east and west side respectively with small terraces overlooking framed views of the farm.

The softness of the white creates drama through the dynamic of the space in relation to the volume, craft and function of these spaces within. The white interior in Resene Zylone Sheen and Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in Resene Black White creates a stage for the insertions of the beautiful objects, the clients’ artworks and natural finishes such as the polished concrete floor and the timber detailing.

The exterior cedar is finished in Wood-X in Foundry and Gold Rush. The black represents the skin, and the Gold Rush is the flesh, while the Resene Black White reflects the contrast of the intersecting of the two building forms. This colour palette successfully achieves the desired contrast between the outside and the inside.

Building contractor: Steve Haycock Construction Ltd
Photographer: Studio2 Architects
Project: Resene Total Colour Awards 2019