This 542sqm concrete home hidden above the banks of the Waikato River overcame challenging geotechnical conditions to rise out of the ground for views along the river and entertainment zones that moved with the sun of the day. The home required engineering more associated with commercial projects – the construction of the concrete walls alone took the team around 12 months to build. With the first floor providing ample space for living and accommodation, the ground floor became a luxury of utility spaces: a double garage with separate rooms for gardening equipment, bike storage and sporting gear, and a services room.

An over-sized slider leads to a lobby with entrance at one end and a wine room the other. A bathroom opens out to the spa pool, sheltered by the floor above, also sheltering the entrance and creating covered parking in front of the garage door. Upstairs the large kitchen, dining and living area blend with the outdoors. Concrete, cedarand tiles are used both inside and out, creating a rich interplay of colour and texture that blurs the boundary between interior and exterior spaces. Raven black timber veneer panels add another level of sophistication to the interiors. Matt black aluminium cladding, flashings and fins contrast with concrete externally. Three ensuite bedrooms and a separate lounge and study complete this impressive home that has delighted the builders as much as the owners.