LUXURIOUS LAWN

RUGGED EXTERIOR The Corten steel, local schist stone and concrete of the exterior are at home in the rugged Central Otago landscape. Set in one of the most beautiful landscapes in Aotearoa, Oliver’s Ridge House is a short distance from Arrowtown in Central Otago. This remote abode is neighboured by majestic scenery from The Remarkables mountain range, Coronet Peak, Gibbston Valley vineyards, Arthurs Point and Lake Hayes.

Team Green Architects Siân Taylor and Mark Read took the brief to design this low-energy, sustainable and healthy home for a family with the environment close to their hearts.

Architect Mark is a Central Otago local with a unique connection to this land that used to form part of his grandfather’s farm. “This place is historically very special to our family, and it is where my mother grew up,” says Mark. “So, not only did we have the opportunity to design a beautiful house for great people in a magnificent setting but to install a legacy for the future.”

Partners in life and work, Mark and Siân’s knowledge of the area and its extreme climate were central to their design, as was their focus on Passive House principles. “For us, thermal efficiency in homes needs to go hand in hand with the architecture in New Zealand,” says Siân. This commitment to energy efficiency extends to Siân and Mark’s own neighbouring property, a beautiful two-bedroom passive house and winner in the 2021 New Zealand Architecture Awards.

For this Oliver’s Ridge property, Passive House principles of highly insulated walls and a balanced heat exchange ventilation system were used to create a building suited to the extreme climate while using minimal energy. High air quality, even temperature distribution, low noise levels and reduced heating and cooling costs were all key considerations. The home is insulated above by a warm roof. This places the insulation on top of the structure, covered by a waterproof membrane and a top layer of gravel.

“This was one of the best briefs we’ve ever had,” says Siân, adding that alongside the practical requirements were more holistic ideas. “Modern informality, comfortable rustic elegance, sustainability, a sense of permanence, textural warmth and richness, low maintenance and bespoke elements were all included in the brief.”

The couple with two teenage children wanted a relaxed home with a great flow and flexible living to adapt to their changing needs over time. “It’s a big house that doesn’t feel big,” says Siân of the four-bedroom, 600 square metre home, plus three car garage, built over three levels. Each room enjoys generous proportions and stunning views – the spatial balance and flow have been carefully considered throughout.