A Glazed Pavilion House With Hidden Spaces

Inspired by a desire to take maximum advantage of the beautiful views but also to include a series of both enclosed and exposed spaces in their design, the talented team at studio Cheshire Architects came up with a really cool concept for this house in Mangawhai, New Zealand

The entrance is marked by a winding path framed by native vegetation
The entrance is marked by a winding path framed by native vegetation

The house was conceived as a 302 square meter glass pavilion. It has a solid concrete floor and parallel ceiling which are connected by glazed walls on all sides. However, that’s not all.

The house occupies a sloping piece of land with a clear view towards the sea
The house occupies a sloping piece of land with a clear view towards the sea

The glazed walls let one see straight inside the house but the same thing means that the inhabitants enjoy panoramic views from indoor as well. You might be wondering where the enclosed spaces are in this case. They’re inside the three tapered cylinders that pierce the ceiling and double as support structures. These are clad in timber and create a set of three circular nooks which break up the open floor plan. 

The kitchen is housed within one of the three cylindrical enclosures
The kitchen is housed within one of the three cylindrical enclosures
The bedroom enjoys a magnificent panorama thanks to its corner placement
The bedroom enjoys a magnificent panorama thanks to its corner placement

Each enclosure has a distinct function. One of them actually houses the kitchen, featuring a curved island which can also be used as a bar from the opposite side. Another conceals the bathroom and the third features a fireplace inside. These structure protrude through the ceiling, adding depth to the otherwise flat roof line. They also add warmth and texture to the interior design. 

Another one of the timber-clad enclosures features a built-in fireplace
Another one of the timber-clad enclosures features a built-in fireplace
The bathroom is also housed inside a cylinder and is actually quite spacious
The bathroom is also housed inside a cylinder and is actually quite spacious
There's actually two fireplaces on opposite sides of the cylinder, one for the indoor and one for the outdoor area
There’s actually two fireplaces on opposite sides of the cylinder, one for the indoor and one for the outdoor area
The outdoor lounge area is sheltered beneath the cantilevered roof
The outdoor lounge area is sheltered beneath the cantilevered roof
The house also has a partial lower floor where the guest area is situated
The house also has a partial lower floor where the guest area is situated