The river below

Designed by Craig South, South Architects

From the architects:

Nestled within the charming township of Cambridge, New Zealand, this home proudly overlooks the majestic expanse of the Waikato River below, with verdant vistas extending to the picturesque golf course beyond. 

The home blends industrial elements with natural warmth, featuring intersecting forms of concrete and metal clad structures with timber cut-outs, providing an individual architectural identity, enriching the local landscape. 

Upon entry, a visual connection unfolds, revealing the expansive living space while descending into intimate quarters on either side of the entry gallery. 

Strategically placed fins showcase the owner's art collection, controlling views with intrigue. 

In the heart of the home, the living, dining, and den spaces converge on a raised platform, offering a panoramic river view. 

A dramatic ceiling design directs attention towards the natural beauty of the river beyond, enhancing the immersive experience.

The private wing hosts two primary bedrooms, each with its own ensuite, while at the opposite end the guest accommodation provides privacy and comfort. 

This wing is complemented by a garden shed discreetly integrated into the architecture. 

Outdoor living is embraced with morning and evening courtyards, the latter featuring an outdoor fire. 

The roof form is strategically angled to maximise natural light in the sheltered courtyards, creating inviting spaces for gatherings and socialising. 

Every aspect of the design optimises the river views, inviting occupants, and visitors alike, to immerse themselves in the ever-changing vista while cocooned within the home or out on the deck. 

This home is a testament to the seamless integration of architectural individuality and natural surroundings – offering unforgettable moments of connection with the landscape.

Constraints + design response

One of the primary design imperatives for this project was to optimise the panoramic vistas spanning from the elevated terrain down to the meandering river below. 

This necessitated a strategic adjustment in the floor elevation to precisely capture and enhance the visual expanse – requiring assessment through the establishment of the dedicated platform, to gauge the optimal viewing angles. 

Maintaining a harmonious synergy between the living areas and the captivating scenery posed a delicate balance, requiring attention to the spatial arrangement. 

A balance was struck to ensure seamless connectivity without compromising the functional cohesion of the kitchen and living spaces. 

The elevation adjustment resulted in heightened shading effects cast from the dining and den forms, impacting the adjoining courtyards. 

To mitigate this issue, meticulous attention was directed towards sculpting the roof forms to prevent excessive shading. 

The resultant shape was seamlessly translated into the interior of the residence, where the intricate folds of the ply ceiling imbued these spaces with a heightened sense of intimacy and spatial refinement. 

This harmonious integration of architectural elements not only resolved practical concerns but also imbued the interior ambiance with a captivating sense of aesthetic unity and sophistication. 

Engaging in extensive dialogue with local authorities throughout the design phase afforded an invaluable opportunity to navigate regulatory constraints while concurrently facilitating the transplantation of select mature trees. 

This not only augmented privacy from the adjacent parkland but also fostered a symbiotic relationship between the built environment and its natural surrounds, exemplifying a holistic approach to architectural design and community integration.

Material selection

A paramount consideration throughout the design process was low maintenance and durability. 

Concrete emerged as a natural choice, renowned for its exceptional longevity and minimal upkeep requirements, aligning with our ethos of authenticity in material selection. 

The juxtaposition of solid concrete in one wing, projecting a robust presence towards the street, alongside softer forms composed of metal cladding and timber cutouts within the living area, evokes a harmonious interplay of textures while infusing warmth into the architectural palette. 

The incorporation of a ply ceiling and timber flooring further enhances the tactile and visual richness of the interior environment, while expansive windows serve as conduits for natural light, maximising views and fostering a seamless connection with the surrounding landscape. 

In the realm of functionality, practical considerations informed material choices, with tiled ensuites offering ease of maintenance without compromising on aesthetics. 

A touch of opulence is introduced through the use of shell wallpaper in the powder room, elevating the ambiance of this intimate space. 

Concealed behind a cedar weatherboard door, the powder room epitomises discreet luxury, reflecting our attention to detail and commitment to crafting spaces that marry practicality with refined elegance.

Story by: Trendsideas