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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

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.

Credit list

Kitchen designer
Vikki Whyte, Modern Age Joinery
Interior design
Max Capocaccia, MC Architecture Studio; Sarah Platt, Style Home
Roof
Viking Roofing Enviroclad TPO membrane in Slate Grey
Main flooring
Porcelanosa Tiles, from Nextdore
Wall finishes, master bedroom
Sediment wallpaper, in Forest, by Emma Hayes
Fireplace
Escea fireplace, supplied by 4 Seasons
Awards
Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) Homes – Highly Commended
Builder
Parsons Construction
Kitchen manufacturer
Modern Age Joinery
Cladding
Herman Pacific vertical cedar cladding with Wood-X Exterior Wood Oil – Forge; Resene Rockcote plaster system; Roofing Industries Eurolock Tray
Window/door joinery
Hagley Windows and Doors Metro Thermal Heart Series
Bathroom tiles
Porcelanosa Tiles – Venis Range, from Nextdore
General heating
Hydronic Underfloor Heating system, by PolarEnergi NZ
Feature lighting
Petrine Pendants, by Nightworks Studio; custom Twist pendants and Dome pendants, both by Monmouthglass Studio

Designed by: Max Capocaccia, MC Architecture Studio

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Clinton Lloyd

09 Jul, 2023

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