Kinloch House — Arkhē Architecture

Perched in the village of Kinloch, on the northern fringes of Lake Taupō, this modern stealth home stands above the rolling hills with a panoramic view of Whangamatā Bay to the west.

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

The result is a U-shaped courtyard plan, with private and public zones organised by two spinal walls dissecting the building: a north–south wall delineating the entranceway and bedroom pavilion, and an east–west wall culminating in the living pavilion. A generous north-facing courtyard invites natural light into bedrooms and living areas while providing sheltered outdoor living.

A pair of expansive glass walls in the living areas frame the main view and connect visually with the courtyard. Generous eaves clad in Abodo panelling mitigate heat gains and offer a semi-covered transitional space; inside, a custom fireplace in Abodo Vulcan Ebony sits on an in-situ concrete bench, defining two zones within the living areas.

The palette is refined and mature: Ironsand metal tray cladding offset by spinal walls in weathered grey Abodo Vulcan Patina outside; exposed-aggregate polished concrete, off-white walls and Abodo panelling within. SIP construction, underfloor heating powered by a large photovoltaic array, and careful orientation ensure thermal comfort all year round.