Previous pages: The longest wing in the home
comprises the living spaces, kitchen, and the
courtyard with operable walls and a guest suite
beyond. Operable side walls also open the
interiors up to spacious decks while polished
concrete floors run right through the home.
Separated by a partial wall from the living spaces
is the minimalist white kitchen. The kitchen island
and dining table are positioned in front of a picture
window looking to the Southern Alps. The skylight
above the island creates a sundial effect, with pools
of lights moving around the room.
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that best viewing is from a seated position.
The extended wings create a number
of outdoor spaces for the family to choose
from depending on the direction of the
wind and sun. As part of the end wing
that extends out on both sides of the cen-
tral gallery, a walled courtyard separates
the main home from the guest quarters.
This courtyard space comes with a
dynamic feature. Large concrete ‘picture
frame’ wall structures are rooted into the
ground on both sides of the courtyard.
Both or either sides can be enclosed with
operable walls that easily unfold into place
– meaning the open air space can be used
regardless of the sun and wind direction.
The metal walls that shelter the court-
yard also animate the look of the home.
“We specified a simple material palette
to connect the home to the surround-
ing landscape,” says Erica Brouard. “The
farmland here changes seasonally – bright
ochre in summer, deep green in winter.”
Their choice of cedar cladding, exposed
concrete block, polished concrete floors
and a hint of steel has resulted in a look