Living down under

Ever since Scottish shepherds began hitting stones into rabbit holes in the 12th century, the game of golf has captivated and exasperated many, and has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry.

There are around 31,000 golf courses worldwide, and New Zealand is second only to Scotland in number of courses per capita with 419 for its 4,300,000 citizens. One of the newest is internationally renowned The Hills, located near Queenstown. Opened in 2007, the course quickly established itself on the international circuit and is home to the NZ Open.

Consent has recently been granted for a 17-lot residential development to be included at the course.

"Our new Sustainable Landscape Residences will allow The Hills to continue to contribute positively to New Zealand's landscape environment. We plan to do so in an internationally recognised way," says The Hills owner Michael Hill.

The homes designed by architects Patterson Associates, who also designed the award-winning club house will be largely subterranean, and at the behest of Michael Hill, will be "in harmony with nature, blending seamlessly with the local landscape, without the usual clutter of fairways lined with endless homes and apartments".

Director of Patterson Associates Andrew Patterson says the houses will follow the precedent set by the clubhouse, which is itself partly buried.

"The underground concept lets the landscapes remain uninterrupted and intact. Frameless, double-glazed glass walls will make the most of the views, while also contributing to lightening the building mass."

"We've got an amazing natural environment," says Patterson. "We need a built environment to match it."

Story by: Trendsideas