Trends New Zealand Trends Volume 31 No 1 New Zealand | Page 46

Creating an attractive and private outdoor living area was another priority. This helped to determine the decision to create a long stone wall that forms a key axis parallel to the boundary. “We chose granite because we wanted something organic and textural that would be a strong landscape feature,” says Arango. “The wall features vertical panels of split slate, 44 cut from the end blocks of the stone. Vertical slots allow light to pass through. They also provide glimpses of the view beyond without compromising privacy.” Arango says the client wanted a very clean-lined, contemporary house, with a design that wouldn’t date. “It was important that the house would not be able to be attributed to a specific period.” search | save | share at trendsideas.com The architecture recalls Modernist themes with strong horizontal lines and extensive glazing. The upper level is clad in teak wood and glass, and framed by a deep band of white stone. “The top storey is a more monolithic element, which provides a strong contrast to the transparent, glass-walled base of the house,” says Molina. “The heavy upper floor appears to float above the ground.” The formal entry to the house passes through the granite wall, but the pathway first crosses a bridge over a reflection pool. “We wanted the entry to be quite processional,” Molina says. “The bridge invites you to step over towards the front door. The entry is also very deep, with stone wrapping