A large sculptural form has appeared on the shores of Lake Hāwea – but it doesn’t dominate the landscape. That’s because the five-bedroom luxury home has been designed so it can never be seen in its entirety from outside the property. On the street, the higher parts of the southern roof are only visible through vegetation, and the northern roof is low so the house can’t be spotted from the lake. Zinc roofing, stained cedar and charcoal-coloured aluminium also help it merge into its surroundings.

Built to replace a much-loved family crib, the 470sqm home rolls out across two wings and is oriented to the lake and mountain views in the same way the original cottage was. The lower wing is where you’ll find the living, dining and kitchen hub, along with two bedrooms. The kitchen, situated between living areas and opening to a sheltered outdoor area, has a combination of stainless steel, blackened steel and Gaboon Plywood joinery. The upper wing, on top of a double garage, houses guest bedrooms. The home is laid out for passive solar gain. Roofs that angle down to the north have eaves that screen high-summer sun but let in the lower winter rays.