The brief was for a future-proofed family retreat with a strong Danish aesthetic, made to suit the Central Otago landscape. The result is a sophisticated 259sqm residence where light and shadow are architectural features in their own right. Blonded timber linings (in keeping with the Scandi look) and soft finishes lend warmth to the minimalist palette, while slender slatted screens bring dappled light and layered privacy to decks and windows. Exterior vertical-timber fins animate the black façade, casting changing shadows as the sun shifts through the day.

Inside, the home opens to voluminous living spaces with clean lines and expansive glazing. A strong sense of calm prevails across the three bedrooms and two living rooms, where understated materials demand absolute precision. With no decorative trims or cover pieces to disguise errors, the detailing had to be perfect — a true test of craftsmanship. The flat-roofed form – deceptively simple in appearance – required extensive engineering to achieve, while deep eaves and sliding sails add to the functionality of the outdoor spaces, making the home liveable in all seasons. Low-slung against its mountainous backdrop, this is a home that celebrates its dual heritage – teaming Northern European restraint and Southern Alpine presence.