Law

A Port Hills home stepping down the slope and lifting towards the view

AO Architecture designed Law on a steep site in Christchurch’s Port Hills. The house is divided into two wings that respond differently to the terrain: the bedroom wing steps down with the hillside, while the living wing rises in the opposite direction beneath a butterfly roof. That contrast allows the private spaces to sit closer to the land while the shared spaces open towards the valley and coast.

Following the slope

The bedroom wing descends with the natural fall of the site, allowing the private rooms to step down the hillside rather than forcing the whole house onto one level.

That decision introduces more internal level changes and movement between the living and sleeping areas, but it lets the bedroom wing follow the terrain instead of sitting on a larger artificial platform.

Large framed openings still bring the outlook into the bedrooms and bathrooms, while these spaces remain more closely tied to the ground than the living areas above.

Lifting the living spaces

The living wing takes the opposite approach. Its roof rises towards the view, increasing the height of the main room as it approaches the glazed edge of the house.

From the kitchen, dining and lounge, tall glazing and glazed corners open across the valley towards the coast. Decks extend around the wing, giving several points where the interior can open directly outside.

The rising roof makes the view end of the room feel considerably larger than the more compressed part of the plan behind it.

A dark centre within the living room

The kitchen is treated as a strong, dark object within the lighter open-plan space. Its black cabinetry gives the centre of the room visual weight while the glazing and rising ceiling pull attention outward.

This contrast helps define the kitchen without enclosing it, allowing the shared living spaces to remain visually continuous.

Law living and dining area with a high raked ceiling, timber floor and large windows overlooking the coast.
Timber deck at Law with simple outdoor seating and panoramic views across the hills to the ocean.
Law powder room with mustard vertical tiles, a dark wall finish and circular illuminated mirror above the basin.
Sheltered timber courtyard at Law enclosed by tall house forms, large glazing and the planted hillside.
Law kitchen with a long dark island, dark cabinetry and a large window framing the green hillside.
Law bathroom with a freestanding bath, pale textured wall tiles and a large window overlooking the hillside.
Law bedroom with corner windows framing views toward both the ocean and surrounding hillside.
Law exterior at dusk with dark cladding, tall corner glazing and timber decking beside the illuminated interior.
Open-plan Law living area with a raked ceiling, timber flooring and wide openings toward the deck and hillside.
Law living and dining space surrounded by tall glazing beneath a high raked ceiling, with coastal views beyond.

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