On a steep site above Governors Bay the long, split-level pavilion works across the contours to provide connection to the site and Lyttelton Harbour context. The low form responds to the panoramic view of the harbour with the northeast-facing balcony, along the full length of the living pavilion as an extension of the spaces into the view.

A classic materiality of steel and cedar, with refined detailing and layered screening elements, allows the house to integrate into its environment. A sheltered deck opens out at the northern end of the pavilion, extending the living into the native road reserve planting and catching the last of the afternoon sun as it drops over the crest of the port hills. An enclosed courtyard opens out from the upper study level, to provide an escape from the easterly coming off the harbour. The courtyard is cut into the hillside with a connection through the study space overlooking the kitchen below.

The building form works carefully with the existing site levels and access from the road above. The upper floor level contains the garage, study and flexible living or 3rd bedroom opening to the courtyard. The lower level of the house is partially excavated into the site, anchoring the house, to allow the main living spaces and bedroom pavilion to hover above the site on an efficient and elegant steel frame structure.

Our clients clearly communicated their brief for clean, simple Danish-inspired modernism and this is evident in the palate of pale wood floors and joinery elements, set against white walls and ceiling planes. The modern European influence is slightly juxtaposed with the more local vernacular steel and cedar-clad exterior, with wall linings continued internally to blur lines between inside and outside. The steel kitchen bench element also makes reference to the client’s industrial design background.

The house has been meticulously crafted by the builder, and with the client’s overview has seen through the intention of the refined detailing. Constructed on a tight budget, the outcome is a credit to the clear brief and communication of the client, and a design process focused on stripping the concept back to an elegant singular form.