Trends New Zealand Volume 34 No 5 | Page 13

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. search | save | share at