Point of view

Nestling a contemporary glass and concrete structure into a beautiful mountain-side location might not sound like a marriage of kindred forms. However, when an inspired design team conceives the shape of the structure from the striking rocky outcrops that surround it, the home becomes an extension of the natural landscape it inhabits.

The concept home shown on these pages, named Jagged Edge, is the work of Warrick Weber, a structural engineer specialising in the design of one-of-a-kind buildings based on simple, but dramatic, architectural forms.

The design concept at the heart of Jagged Edge is deceptively simple a tension structure supporting a large concrete roof, with the support cables anchored back into the natural rock. Once this structure has been established, it allows for the creation of interior spaces that are free from partitioning walls and offer uninterrupted views. In this case, the first floor will be suspended from the roof, again using tension cables. The perimeter walls will be constructed entirely of glass taking the best possible advantage of the site's sweeping panoramic views.

In terms of the architecture relating to its environment, consideration of form is also important. The extensive use of glass will allow Jagged Edge to integrate seamlessly with the rocky landscape.

"We want to fit the home into the outstanding natural landscape, where it will emulate the terrain that surrounds it," says Weber. "The dwelling will fuse with the natural topography it's designed to look like a shard of local schist rock jutting out of the hillside."

As well as the land forms and striking architectural design, the serene, secluded location will play a big part in defining the Jagged Edge residence.

"To this end, there are alternative options available to provide expansive outdoor areas which flow naturally from the house's internal spaces," says Weber. "The site is extremely private and the home's interiors will only be visible from within the property. Window treatments provide for privacy where needed."

From the distinctive design to the finished home's day-to-day operation, everything is considered. For example, state-of-the-art building management systems will provide precision heating and cooling control.

As a structural engineer, Weber has worked on a number of substantial international projects. This project is one of a number of high-profile designs being developed by parent company Slant jointly owned by Weber and Glenn Parker of Queenstown Project Management with new mid-range architectural solutions being launched now.

Weber's concept of structure-led architecture draws on his experience of structural design and eye for architectural form. This combination allows the forward-looking designer to create designs where structure and architecture are one.

The Jagged Edge concept has been created by a team of stand-out designers, each well respected in their own right, with Weber at the helm. Collectively, they represent a wealth of industry knowledge and global experience.

Principal architect on Jagged Edge is Chelsea Dawson, whose extensive portfolio includes high-end residential and commercial work in London and Sydney.

Damien Murphy, a glass designer specialising in architecturally challenging projects, is an integral part of the team, as is interior designer Carmen Hubber. Award-winning designer Lloyd Richardson designed Jagged Edge's all mod-cons kitchen.

"People will enjoy this house because it's so much part of the environment. You can get up in the morning and check out the ski conditions from your living room, watch the sun rise from your breakfast area, and see The Remarkables bathed in evening sun from the pool balcony," says Weber. "The home is designed as the ultimate platform for entertaining and lifestyle."

For further information, contact Jagged Edge, phone (+64) 3442 7230. Email: info@jaggededge.co.nz or visit the website: www.jaggededge.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas