Te Hihi embraces the interminable rural setting amidst the gentle rolling landscape distinctive of Karaka, 45 kilometers south of Auckland City. The building is sited where two valleys converge to form a narrowing spur of land from which immediate and distant vistas can be experienced in all directions.
The main axis of the house follows the incline of the land, expressed with a central hallway that finds relief in large viewing windows to the east. Spaces are organised along this circulation path, shifting and tapering to each gain an eastern aspect and northern sun. This axis is intersected by the entry concourse and continuous pergola, which slices across the ridge and connects to the northern lawn and pool area.
The traditional weatherboard has been re-worked in a large format to respond to the elongated building form, rendered black to recess into the landscape and contrast the glowing warmth of timber.
The roof is an all-encompassing wedge form, responding to the tapering landform. Deliberately blank to the southern approach, the windows are sculpted-out recesses, forcing outlook in a downward direction to the extensively landscaped wetlands below.
Photography by © Simon Devitt
Production by Amelia Holmes
NZIA Local Award Winner - 2016 - Housing
Trends International Design Awards - 2016 - New Zealand Architect-Designed Kitchen - Highly Commended
Te Hihi
“This great family home is well-connected to its site: form and planning respond to the sloping spur upon which the house is modestly perched, and its orientation maximises views across wetlands to the rolling farmland beyond. Sheltered by a wedge-shaped roof, the house opens up around a central circulation path. A secondary axis, from entry to pool courtyard, is defined by a continuous timber ceiling and slatted pergola that leads from the more closed southern face of the building to light, sunny living spaces. Integrated throughout with sustainable design principles, thoughtfully selected and detailed materials, this house has a comfortable, light and casual feel punctuated with moments of surprise and variety.”
NZIA Awards Jury Citation