Realm of the senses
Biophilia is defined as the connection humans have with the nature world –
this Queenstown home reflects that by appealing to four of the five senses
Often mountain homes are connected to
their setting simply by being constructed
with local materials. However, this modern
residence – with alpine and lake views to
the front and forest and stream outlooks to
the rear – takes a more immersive approach.
Architect Gary Todd says he wanted
this to be a sensory biophilic residence –
essentially, a house designed to evoke its
environment through the senses of sight,
sound, smell and even touch.
Nestled on a modest, sloping site, the
four-tiered concrete, steel and glass home
has a clean-lined architectural presence.
Cantilevered decks reach out to the scenery
front and back, while solid and louvred
walls provide privacy from the street
below and from neighbours. However,
seen front on, the extensive glazing gives
the four-level home a transparent quality.
Level 1 comprises the entry, stair and
lift access, garage, laundry, gym and guest
room; level 2 has three bedrooms, an office
and movie room and connects to a outdoor
spa and sauna; while level 3 is the sprawl-
ing open-plan, indoor-outdoor living zone.
Previous pages: Instead of being built in schist
and wood to evoke the mountain setting, this
glass, concrete and steel home by Gary Todd
Architecture embraces its natural environment by
appealing to four of the five senses.
Facing page: Sensory experience – a waterfall
falling into ponds means the entry resonates with
the sound of running water, while the vertical
garden walls feature scented plantings.
Above: Look out, look down – the office space
includes a glass floor so you can look down into
the entry as well as out to the mountains and lake.
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