Built for clients returning to the area after the 2011 earthquakes, this remarkable residence honours both place and permanence. Just a stone’s throw from their former, red-zoned site, the new home was conceived to feel deeply rooted in its environment — materially, spatially and emotionally.

Strong, sculptural and seamlessly engineered, this is a forever home in every sense. The build brief was exacting. Energy-efficient heating and cooling, smart ventilation and solar screening were essential, as were natural materials and indoor-outdoor flow. Anchored into the hillside, the home steps with the land, its clean lines and gentle palette echoing the contours and colours of the coast. Timber, stone, concrete and metal have been employed with precision and restraint, creating a strong yet serene architectural form.

Seamless transitions between levels, expansive glazing and carefully screened outdoor spaces forge a continuous dialogue with the site. Outdoor terraces offer elevated views and protection from the elements, aided by integrated louvre systems. The technical demands of the steep site, from restricted access to complex structural requirements, were navigated by a skilled architectural build team. Every element has been considered, crafted and resolved to deliver a home that sits lightly but confidently on the land.