BUILT ON A GRAND SCALE

When the owners of this property first approached architect Kerry Mason, they asked him to design a small, simple, corrugated iron house for their rural block.

However, as the brief developed, the ideas became bigger, and the home became larger. What was originally to be one small building evolved into a substantial home, consisting of two wings connected via a covered walkway.

"As we discussed the brief, the scale of the project grew, because the owners wanted a home of generous dimensions inside," says Mason.

The home sits amid the magnificent mountains and lakes of Central Otago grand surroundings that suited a large and solidly built structure.

"I wanted the building to sit comfortably on its rural site, as well as acknowledging the expansive views over the lake and mountains," says Mason.

It also needed thick walls to protect against the cold winters and hot summers typical of the region. This was achieved by using double-skinned concrete block walls, plastered on the interior and exterior.

Despite its large 650m² size, the house has a simple construction. Steel columns in the corners of the living and dining area carry the weight of the two large jarrah trusses holding the supporting structure for the roof. Without obstructions in the centre, this large, open-plan space is the focal point of the interior. It also provides access to all the other rooms.

To achieve the required proportions, the living area opens to the full height of the house, with exposed beams and trusses. A raised 1m-high clerestory through the central part of the roof allows indirect light into the upper storey.

A suspended bridge accesses the mezzanine level, which contains the master suite, children's bedrooms, a guest bedroom and a bunkroom.

Furnishings are in proportion with the large structure for example, the living room features custom-made 3m-long sofas. The timber dining table and other furnishings were also chosen for their extra-large size.

To keep the interior simple, the owners chose shutters rather than curtains for the windows.

"We didn't want to shut out the stars and views of the mountains, or spoil the essential nature of the house," says the homeowner.

Story by: Trendsideas