Modern House With a Black Exterior And An Extremely Welcoming Interior

In a strange way, this house from Christchurch, New Zealand makes the piece of land that it occupies seem bigger than it actually is. The house was designed and built by Young Architects and was completed in 2019.

Gable Silhouette architecture Young Architects living room

It occupies a narrow site and has a simple and modest design with a classic gable roof and black cladding on the exterior. It also has expansive glazing and large openings which help it to make the site appear longer than it is and to complement its surroundings by blending in.

The front of the house is closed off and has a simple and opaque appearance
The front of the house is closed off and has a simple and opaque appearance

A prominent chimney built with basalt anchors the structure to the land around it and adds depth to the overall design. Black modern cedar was used for the exterior, emphasizing the house’s modern and minimalist aesthetic. In contrast, the entrance is marked by the use of natural cedar which creates a nice transition towards the interior where natural timber was used extensively and in various different forms.

The rear section opens up and has large glazed surfaces which welcome the outdoors in and blur the indoor-outdoor barriers
The rear section opens up and has large glazed surfaces which welcome the outdoors in and blur the indoor-outdoor barriers
The living room has a high ceiling with exposed timber beams and a panoramic view of the backyard
The living room has a high ceiling with exposed timber beams and a panoramic view of the backyard

Large exposed beams create a criss-cross pattern on the ceiling and draw attention to the roof, creating the impression or a very vast and open space. The skylights which have been incorporated into the design have a similar effect, bringing natural light into the room and emphasizing the height of the spaces in particular when it comes to the private section of the house where the bedroom and bathroom are situated. The interior design is very warm and inviting thanks to the selection of materials, finishes and colors as well as the attention to detail shown throughout the entire house. Every room has character and they all flow seamlessly and turn the house into a perfect family home.

The entrance is defined by the use of natural cedar which contrasts with the black exterior walls
The entrance is defined by the use of natural cedar which contrasts with the black exterior walls
Here you can catch a glimpse at the array of skylights which have been incorporated throughout the house
Here you can catch a glimpse at the array of skylights which have been incorporated throughout the house
The gable roof and side walls extend towards the backyard creating a sheltered patio
The gable roof and side walls extend towards the backyard creating a sheltered patio
Basalt was incorporated into the landscaping as well as the chimney which creates a visual link between the house and the land around it
Basalt was incorporated into the landscaping as well as the chimney which creates a visual link between the house and the land around it
Neutral colors and classic shapes dominate the interior, giving the house a timeless and refined feel
Neutral colors and classic shapes dominate the interior, giving the house a timeless and refined feel
The exposed criss-cross beams are a focal point for the interior design, in particular in the living room
The exposed criss-cross beams are a focal point for the interior design, in particular in the living room
Warm natural wood was used for the flooring and various other surfaces, making the living areas feel very inviting
Warm natural wood was used for the flooring and various other surfaces, making the living areas feel very inviting
The upstairs bedroom is small and modest, making use of skylights to gain exposure to the natural light
The upstairs bedroom is small and modest, making use of skylights to gain exposure to the natural light
A skylight was also introduced into the bedroom, drawing attention to the ceiling and making the space seem larger
A skylight was also introduced into the bedroom, drawing attention to the ceiling and making the space seem larger
The living area has a very chic decor with a bit of art decor charm and various classical details
The living area has a very chic decor with a bit of art decor charm and various classical details