Asymmetric House Makes The Most Of Its Remote Location

Sometimes we like to play a game…to look at a house and to try to characterize it using only one word. It can be a real challenge when there’s more to a house than what it lets the others see but sometimes it’s all very easy. We’d describe this house from Puhoi, New Zealand using the word simplicity. You’ll see why once you find out more about it.

The house is situated in a secluded spot with no neighbors and road connections
The house is situated in a secluded spot with no neighbors and road connections
The site on which the house was built is a bit sloped, enough to offer great views
The site on which the house was built is a bit sloped, enough to offer great views

The house is situated in a remote area and was built here by LTD Architectural Design Studio. With a total living area of 164 square meters, the house is closely connected to its surroundings and welcomes the outdoors in in a way that feels very natural.

The interior spaces are closely connected to the outdoors and the decks serve as buffers
The interior spaces are closely connected to the outdoors and the decks serve as buffers
One of the facades is partially covered with galvanized steel panels
One of the facades is partially covered with galvanized steel panels

This is a house with a very open structure. However, you can’t tell that when looking at the house from certain angles. One of the facades on the lower level is almost completely closed off and covered with galvanized steel sheets. The rest is wood and the contrast between these materials is emphasized in a harmonious manner.

The living area is linked to a deck with a stone fireplace and built-in sunken tubs
The living area is linked to a deck with a stone fireplace and built-in sunken tubs
The wooden deck is very relaxing and the view is soothing and refreshing
The wooden deck is very relaxing and the view is soothing and refreshing
Glass doors open the living room entirely on two sides, letting in the views and fresh air
Glass doors open the living room entirely on two sides, letting in the views and fresh air

At the opposite end, the facades open up and as a result the living spaces feel more like an outdoor area than an enclosed volume. This makes the transition between the interior spaces and the outdoor deck very smooth and almost seamless. The fact that a lot of wood is used both on the interior and the exterior of the house helps ensure a cohesive design approach throughout.

A wooden deck wraps around the living area, framing it and providing vast lounge spaces
A wooden deck wraps around the living area, framing it and providing vast lounge spaces
A hanging chair sits casually and looks towards the valley, taking in the beauty
A hanging chair sits casually and looks towards the valley, taking in the beauty
The deck allows the interior living space to extend outside and to freely communicate with the surroundings
The deck allows the interior living space to extend outside and to freely communicate with the surroundings

Inside the house, the social areas share an open space on the ground floor and the service and sleeping areas occupy the upper level. The architects wanted the interior design to feel very light and simple so they used locally-sourced wood in combination with simple white surfaces to create the casual ambiance they had in mind.

Inside, the decor is simple and palette of materials used is simple and dominated by wood
Inside, the decor is simple and palette of materials used is simple and dominated by wood
The social area is connected to a playroom which has a playful and colorful decor
The social area is connected to a playroom which has a playful and colorful decor
The master bedroom has a two-person desk placed in front of the windows
The master bedroom has a two-person desk placed in front of the windows

The bedroom suite is both cozy and open. The slanted ceiling covered in wood and the matching floor create a warm and intimate ambiance while the large windows let in an abundance of natural light and fresh colors. Like in the rest of the house, the palette of materials, finishes and colors is simple and yet the decor is not monotonous. The bed that’s hanging from the ceiling and the windows and skylights make sure of that.

Textured wood is paired with crisp white surfaces and the contrast is a very pleasant one
Textured wood is paired with crisp white surfaces and the contrast is a very pleasant one
The staircase that links the two floors is made of wood as well and has a set of bookshelves on its side
The staircase that links the two floors is made of wood as well and has a set of bookshelves on its side
The attic bedroom has a bed that's suspended from the ceiling
The attic bedroom has a bed that’s suspended from the ceiling
The en-suite bathroom is decorated in the same style as the bedroom
The en-suite bathroom is decorated in the same style as the bedroom