A world of our own

With a hidden bridge approach, enclosing wings and sculptural interior features, this home creates a world of interest and privacy for its owners

The home is privately nestled within the existing

The entrance bridge is designed to resemble the

Decks opening to the northern sun and vast

The sculptural concrete stair is an interior feature.

The sculptural stair as seen from the hallway

Rich timber cabinetry adds to the home's sense

Inside, you are greeted and drawn north by

The living area's feature central skylight.

Looking down the feature stair to the ground

The first (main) floor master ensuite. - A

Designed by Max Capocaccia, MC Architecture Studio

From the architects:

This private home sits atop Mt Pleasant, discreetly nestled within the existing dense foliage of the site while maintaining vast views over the estuary and Christchurch City beyond.

The two wings of the house angle inwards while facing north, pivoting around the heart of the home to offer a sense of shelter and protection from the southern environment, while opening to the northern sun and vast views.

This enclosing shape creates a level of secrecy and privacy to the home from the southern street front, which is then emphasised by the mysterious entrance hidden amongst the bush.

The approach bridge has been designed to resemble the estuary pier and to create a surprising entrance point.

It weaves through and atop the existing mature bush to reach the house, retaining as much of the mature foliage as possible.

Once inside, you are greeted and drawn north by the framed estuary views and sculptural timber ceiling as it reaches upwards to the central skylight.

This ceiling feature aims to open and soften the living space, creating a larger atmosphere to an intimate area.

The converging timber batten ceiling and the artistically composed glass and steel balustrade on the internal stairwell become sculptural elements, both designed to reflect the richness of the outside views.

The house is primarily clad with a metal tray profile, its hardness adds to the secrecy of the home.

To balance this, softer vertical timber cladding is introduced to areas of occupancy and vulnerability to the home's protective shield, such as the entrance and the northern outdoor living area beneath the canopy.

The home's performance relies on its high insulation values, external insulation of the thermal mass, controlled thermal gain, and the enhanced cross ventilation using the chimney effect between the low-lying south windows and skylight during summer.