Trends New Zealand Trends Volume 32 No 1 New Zealand | Page 15

Homes with the most dramatic outlooks often
seem to be nestled on the most awkward sites.
In such cases, the positioning on the property
can dictate the form and flow of the house itself.
For this new home project, the owners asked
architect Stephan Meijer for a contemporary,
European-style design with great views from
every room, a pitched roof and a self-contained
apartment below. There also needed to be a
double garage with internal access, and a pool.
To fulfil the client’s brief, the house is long
and linear, composed with strong forms that
fold over in an attractive facade composition.

The generous use of concrete and glass is off-set
by the warmth of Canadian cedar on some walls
and Colorsteel roofing in the same wood tone.
Faced with a steep site, the positioning and
layout of the house was crucial, says Meij er.
“As a result, we designed the home over
split levels – with the garage and formal entry
on the top floor. From here, you step down to
the main living spaces with the master suite also
at this level. The pool is set halfway between this
main floor and the basement level, which has a
bedroom, home office, gym, wine cellar, ancillary spaces and the self-contained apartment.”

Previous pages: This seaside home
by architect Stephan Meijer opens
up to its picturesque coastal setting
from all rooms and floors.
Above left: The exact positioning of
the house on the site was a key part
of the project. Having the garage
and drive at the top of the property
offered the most effective solution.
Above: Visitors descend from the
front door to reach the living areas.

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