Mount Gold

Nathan and Sarah, along with their three teenage children, commissioned a dream home on an elevated site with stunning views near Lake Wanaka. The design included a central ‘anchor block’ and single-storey wings that separate the living and sleeping areas, offering privacy and sheltered outdoor spaces that blend with the surrounding Kanuka trees. The ‘anchor block’ supports the main living areas on the first floor with uninterrupted views of the lake and all-year-round sun exposure.

The design was inspired by the site’s natural elements, and the client’s desire to create something unique. The single-storey wings follow the local vernacular of pitched roofs with euro tray and larch cladding, while the ‘anchor block’ features a striking larch rain screen. The upper wall facing south showcases the rain screen in its full ‘origami’ expression, taking inspiration from the Kanuka trees on the site. The entrance to the home was carefully crafted to provide a sense of arrival, featuring a larch-wrapped guest wing, a timber boardwalk above a pond and garden, and concrete arches that lead to an internal gallery space to exhibit art installations.

The home’s sustainability was a top priority, leading to the use of SIP panels for construction, heat recovery systems, and underfloor heating to all floors. This results in a snug and comfortable place to live, no matter the season, with warm cedar-lined living spaces. The design of the home balances the natural elements of the site with the client’s desire for a unique and sustainable home, resulting in a stunning and functional space.