Perched in the charming village of Kinloch, nestled on the northern fringes of Lake Taupō, this property offers a unique vantage point. It stands tall above the rolling hills, providing a panoramic view of the Kinloch Club Golf course to the North, a lush native bush to the East, and the breathtaking Whangamata Bay to the West.

The wedge-shaped site and its unique orientation presented some spatial planning challenges. The main elevation, the narrowest portion of the site, demanded an additional setback to conform with boundary restrictions. This design puzzle offered a unique opportunity for creative solutions.

The design process explored spatial requirements and site restrictions, interpolating access to views, privacy from neighbours and optimal sun orientation. The result is a U-shaped courtyard plan, with private and public zones oriented by two spinal walls dissecting the building and defining the circulation spaces: a north-south wall delineates the entranceway and bedrooms pavilion, and an east-west wall culminates in the living pavilion. A generous north-facing courtyard invites abundant natural light into bedrooms and living areas whilst providing sheltered outdoor living, extending opportunities for family gatherings.

A pair of expansive glass walls in the living areas frame the main view and enable visual connection with the courtyard and adjacent circulation areas. Generous eaves, clad in Abodo panelling, mitigate excessive heat gains and offer a semi-covered transitional space to mediate the elements. Inside, a feature custom fireplace in Abodo Vulcan Ebony sits on an in-situ concrete bench, defining two distinct zones within the main living areas.

The material palette is refined and mature: Ironsand metal tray cladding, offset by the spinal walls, clad in weathered grey Abodo Vulcan Patina for the exterior; Exposed aggregated polished concrete floors, off-white walls and Abodo Panelling for ceilings inside.

The high-performance envelope ensures thermal comfort all year round. SIP panels (Structural Insulated Panels) and underfloor heating powered by a large photovoltaic array minimize heating loads during the cold months. Spatial planning and orientation play a significant role: Bedrooms face east, with modest openings to mitigate heat loss, living areas benefit from cross-ventilation during the warm months, and the courtyard brings passive heat into the concrete floor.

More photos coming soon.