Timber-lined bathroom in mountain retreat holiday home and architectural studio

Perched high above Lyttleton Harbour, this new build is a get-away-from-it-all retreat. But it's not just about play the building is both a holiday home and a satellite office for staff from the Auckland-based firm, Bull O'Sullivan Architecture.

Architect Michael O'Sullivan, who designed and built the studio himself, says the lower level accommodates a living area, bedrooms and the large bathroom featured on these pages.

"Like the studio itself, the design and the materials used in the bathroom were inspired by the surrounding landscape, which is continually changing in colour, texture and mood."

Two of the walls and the ceiling are lined with widegrain American oak tongue-and-groove boards. The oak and sapele mahogany alternately feature throughout the interior.

The other two walls of the bathroom are lined with Lunar Azul marble tiles in differing sizes and tones. These create a pattern that references the landscape of the Port Hills.

"I wanted this bathroom to be a conscious act of indulgence," O'Sullivan says. "The freestanding tub, positioned to maximise the wonderful view, is the centrepiece there is even a ceremonial feel to the spout. You can glimpse the tub from the far end of the gallery, and from the window seats that line this key circulation area. The view, and the sunlight in the mornings, draw you through."

The view can also be enjoyed from the shower, and is reflected in the mirror above the basin.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes

Photography by: Patrick Reynolds