This sculptural birchwood house set among the Queenstown mountain ranges is a stunning example of how architecture can respond to its surroundings.
The Brief for the Birchwood House
The owner’s brief for the sculptural birchwood house was clear: a sustainable, single-storey, contemporary, four-bedroom country house on a flat site surrounded by mountain ranges. The resulting architectural design extends towards and sits in unity with the mountains, displaying its own peaks and troughs. This is created by the butterfly roof with two twisted planes, which emphasise the drama of the surrounding landscape.
Passive Solar Principles
Passive solar principles were a driving factor in the design of the sculptural birchwood house. Features like the soffits angled to guide the winter sun deep into the building, while the large overhangs protect from the summer sun, keeping the house cool. This is further enhanced through high-level opening windows.
Sculptural Integration With Nature
The sculptural form of the house responds to the environment via the push and pull of the façade. The weatherboard profile of alternating depths and thicknesses creates soft, rippled shadow lines. These lines reflect the pond and stand in harmony with the wispy trees. The natural stained timber interjects seamlessly into the land, showcasing the sculptural birchwood house’s seamless integration with nature.
Architect: Kamermans Architects Ltd