Seldom are homes with stellar views so in tune with their landscape. This 164sqm house offers vistas to Cook Strait and the Kaikōura Ranges, yet anchors itself to its environs by hugging the contours of Wellington’s eastern hills. Although a split-level home with myriad angles, a single roof plane engenders the sense of cohesion, as does vertical timber cladding and timber-lined soffits. Inside, this brilliantly executed four-bedroom house is just as flawless. A single-plane timber ceiling ties the three levels together and clerestory windows help to usher the outside in. Transitions between the levels and spaces are smooth and intuitive.

Timber is a constant: you’ll see it on the floors, stairs, balustrades, feature screening, window linings, a window seat and other built-in furniture. It’s the ideal backdrop for the framed views of sea, sky and greenery. It’s also further evidence of the builders’ skills and attention to detail. Given the complexity of the project, every detail had to be thoroughly thought through, and this is where teamwork came in. A close working relationship between the client, architect and builders involved fostering an environment in which details, methods and ideas could be shared and issues resolved. This was just as important as the top-drawer craftsmanship, and has resulted in a stunning outcome for the clients.