Pared back

A view in one direction, and sun in the other it's always a challenge for architects and designers to maximise both these elements.

For this country house, designed by architect Gerrad Hall and built by Paul Wilson and BradMcNamara of Concrete Homes Northland, the solution was a long, relatively narrow house that follows the contours of the ridgeline.

The design provides views across the bay from the open-plan living area, while the sun can be enjoyed from a terrace and bay window on the other side of the room.

The architecture also helps to draw the eye to the view. Exposed precast concrete panels frame glimpses of the view beyond. The panels are staggered to create a jigsaw-like effect, which adds a subtle patterning to the exterior and visually expresses the structural composition of the house.

"There is also a visual link to the surrounding bush," says Wilson. "The bandsawn cedar garage and the cladding directly above this features battens attached in a pattern reminiscent of a totara tree leaf. The garage door is essentially invisible when closed. The totara leaf pattern is repeated on a steel screen on one side of the north-facing balcony."

A sense of arrival is created at the entry, which features soaring, double-height concrete columns, and a high trapezoidal-shaped cut-out in the roof. This shape is echoed by a garden below Wilson says a nikau palm tree is planned for the space.

The modern aesthetic extends to the interior, where hardwood floors help keep the look crisp and clean.

Sculptural fixtures and fittings in the bathrooms were also chosen to reinforce the contemporary feel. In the master suite, the vanity is cantilevered so it appears to be suspended above the floor.

LED lighting behind the mirror and alongside a frosted glass partition enhances the floating look.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes

Photography by: Daniel McGrath