Deep eaves frame the view and provide protection from the weather, especially the keen winds that can blow in from the lake. The house is stepped to provide protection from wind and rain, says the architect.
Concrete defines the house; its cool, grey hues blend well with the landscape and its thermal properties provide insulation. Concrete beams are left exposed throughout, to highlight the structure. Strips of cedar on the eaves and elsewhere on the exterior soften the look.
Two precast concrete slabs mirror each other to frame the entry. Despite its weight, the top panel appears to float above its twin to create a canopy. Square lights embedded into the floor slab lead past the front door a single, large sheet of laminated glass.
Inside, lights concealed on top of the canopy illuminate the foyer while a strip light glows from the floor. A white oak hallway on both sides of the slab travels the width of the house, leading towards the bedrooms and the main living area.
The combined kitchen, dining and living area occupies a large, open room with a cathedral ceiling. The white-painted plywood ceiling is grooved, a nod to old-fashioned holiday cottages, Prebble says.
Anchoring the space is an award-winning kitchen designed by Davinia Sutton. Streamlined cabinets fill the back wall underneath a glazed gable, which brings in the morning sun. A central island, topped by manufactured stone, offers more workspace along with a second sink. The coloured glass splashback reflects light and a muted view of the mountains and lake.