New holiday home with pared-back architecture designed to maximise great views

Holiday homes are, by nature, often sited in the more picturesque parts of the country. But while there's a need to maximise the views, no-one wants to compromise the functionality of the kitchen.

This house, on the shores of Lake Hawea, was designed by architect Barry Condon of Sarah Scott Architects to offer the best of both worlds.

"The kitchen is part of an open-plan living space that captures the 180° views and opens up to a large deck," Condon says. "This entire space is used for family living and entertaining there's an easy flow between all areas, and the outdoors."

To further maintain the sense of connection between inside and out, the kitchen echoes the pared-back aesthetic of the architecture.

"We have used the same clean-lined architectural language," says Condon. "The floor is polished concrete with an exposed aggregate sourced locally, and Southland beech timber appears on the overhead cabinets and peninsula. And a timber acoustic ceiling helps to counter any noise generated by the hard surfaces."

The timber is teamed with composite stone benchtops and white lacquered cabinets that bounce the light. A mirrored splashback reflects the spectacular view, and enables the owners to keep an eye on children playing in the family room.

Condon says every item has its own space in the kitchen there is even a concealed cabinet on the left side of the peninsula with storage for board games.

Vertical pantries and large drawers help to maximise the storage.