The site’s steep gradient and complex topography were the defining factors in the design process. Rather than resisting the slope, the layout works with it. Each home steps down the hillside, following the contours to create stable, efficient floor plates that connect with outdoor terraces and gardens at different levels. This approach reduces excavation, protects existing basalt retaining walls, and allows the buildings to settle naturally into their setting.
From the outset, the project was developed in close collaboration with the client to balance the site’s potential with construction feasibility and long-term performance. Each design move, from material articulation to window placement, was carefully considered to optimise outlook, light, and privacy. Extensive glazing establishes a strong visual connection to the surrounding landscape, integrating views of Sumner, Tuawera (Cave Rock), Pegasus Bay, and the Kaikōura Ranges into the spatial experience of the homes.
Sustainability and construction efficiency were central to the project. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) was chosen for its strength, precision, and sustainability benefits. The lightweight nature of CLT made it ideally suited to the steep site, reducing the need for heavy foundations and enabling faster, safer assembly for builders working on the slope. The result is a robust, low-carbon structure that will perform well over time.
Material selection was guided by longevity and response to the coastal climate. A refined palette of standing seam steel and natural timber defines the forms, offering durability against salt and weather exposure while softening the architecture within its landscape. The interplay of materials distinguishes each home while maintaining a cohesive visual relationship between the pair.
Together, these homes illustrate a pragmatic and thoughtful response to site and context; architecture that balances environmental responsibility, technical precision, and a clear understanding of the client’s aspirations. The outcome is a design grounded in its hillside terrain, shaped by collaboration, and built for lasting performance and place.
