Trends New Zealand Volume 33 No 3 | Page 102

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. search | save | share at 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