This architecturally designed home featuring “Shade Sail” style inverted curved roof planes was a challenge for all involved, from design to engineering, to construction, to the fabrication of the extensive structure that lies beneath, and finally the finishing detail. The fully thermally broken heated concrete slab is supported along the southern elevation on 16 concrete piles pinned into the bedrock below, removing any load from the old digger-stacked stone wall that forms the flat terrace the house sits on. Just 7 of the 16 corners that make up the perimeter of the ground floor are 90-degree corners, while the remaining 9 individual angles range from 115 degrees through to 83.5 degrees. Add in the semi-circular sunken lounge and this is far from your average build.
The design concept of a ‘floating’ roof is achieved through the use of high-level windows set with negative details into the curved cedar T& G ceilings that run seamlessly out to the soffits, forming the underside of the “Shade Sail”. Access to the site is down a narrow steep laneway with a tight right-angle corner discounting the use of conventional cranes to assist in the construction process. The use of a small ‘spider’ crane enabled the positioning of steel members except for the main ‘tent pole’ which was placed by helicopter.
The drooping side of a tent fly observed during a period of “Solo” at the Anakiwa Outward Bound School was the inspiration that evolved to become this stunning architecturally designed home. Perched on a rock spur above Queenstown with an unrivalled 200-degree view stretching from Mount Nicholas in the west to Kingston in the South and The Crown Terrace to the East. Held aloft by “tent poles” that point skyward in an imitation of their origins back in the Marlborough bush, the ‘shade sails’ roofs float airily above the classically clad schist and cedar weatherboard structure below.
Tied to the building along one edge and supported at the corners by ‘tent poles’, the third ‘sail’ roof covers the extensive open plan kitchen, living, dining area, and outdoor decks. Enhanced by the surrounding floor-to-ceiling glazing and large opening doors this space truly brings the outdoors in. Curved cedar T & G ceilings feature throughout the two-level 3 bedroom home flowing seamlessly from interior to exterior soffits before tipping skyward to give the sunshade style roofs thinness that hides the extensive structural steel chassis beneath.
Local Gibbston schist encases the Master bedroom wing as it diverges from the main body of the house to stare towards the jagged peaks that adorn the Remarkables range. Quad sliding door panel open to allow the occupants a taste of ‘glamping’ – waking to a gentle breeze off the water and the first rays of a new sun shooting skyward from behind the majestic Remarkables is an experience few people enjoy. Two individualised guest bedrooms each with their own ensuites bookend the upstairs level with a casual living/study area between. A custom latticework balustrade made from local beech timber allows natural light to flood the stairwell.
Testimonials
What a view!! The completely glazed southern elevation overlooks the sparkling blue waters of the Frankton Arm, the majestic Lake Wakatipu and the rugged Remarkable mountain range. Developed from the client’s desire for curved roof planes to copy those of a tent fly, this spectacular home sits atop a rock spur above Queenstown, allowing it a 200 degree view. The curved sunken lounge area sits comfortably on the edge of a stacked rock wall, as its curved cedar T & G ceiling floats above. A Foodies kitchen complete with Gaggenau steam oven and induction hood is at the centre of the living/dining area. A comfortable private Nook provides an escape from the world outside.
Builder’s comments
“This home is anchored on the side of the hill, held up by retaining walls looking over Frankton Arm. The build was very complex, featuring an intricate multi-level steel structure to support flying curved sail rooves that float out into mid-air. With the Cedar Tongue & Groove fixed to the rooves, the use of multi claddings and a house design with minimal 90 degree corners, attention to accuracy showed in every detail. The challenging build created a stunning home for the owners to be proud of.” Judges called this a complicated project completed with total dedication and accuracy from all involved.
Judges’ comments
There’s nothing straightforward about this Queenstown abode. Sweeping rooftops float above the home like sheets of paper suspended in mid-air. The design was, in fact, inspired by the drooping of a tent fly, and the realisation of this vision deserves the recognition. The stylish interior with its 200 degree views, meanwhile, is a clear departure from the home’s camping origins. Curved cedar tongue & groove ceilings feature throughout the two-level, three bedroom home. They flow seamlessly from the interior to the exterior where they offer shade from the sun. Two guest bedrooms with ensuites bookend the upstairs level with its casual living/study area sandwiched between. Diverging from the bulk of the cedar weatherboard home, the master bedroom wing is encased in local Gibbston schist. Glazing frames the picture-perfect outlook and offers access to the private balcony where you can see the sun rise over the Remarkables.
Otago Daily Times article
