Residential project

Bangalore House

Client:
Private
Location:
Christchurch New Zealand
Delivered:
2006

Located on the slopes of the Cashmere Hills, this residence was designed by William Noordanus and completed in 2006. The home is carefully oriented to maximise its northern aspect and expansive views across the city, with a design that responds directly to its elevated setting by capturing light, outlook and shelter. A central east–west spine wall and stair gallery forms the organisational heart of the house, with flexible living spaces opening to one another and extending seamlessly to outdoor areas for entertaining and private retreat. A refined palette of monolithic plaster, anodised aluminium, glass balustrades and copper — anchored by a sculptural tiled spine wall — creates a striking architectural presence on the hillside.

Full-height sliding glazed walls with opalescent glass diffuse natural light deep into the plan, creating distinctive spatial qualities throughout the home. A flexible arrangement of interconnected spaces allows rooms to open generously for entertaining or close down to form more intimate, private environments. This adaptability extends outward, where indoor and outdoor living coexist comfortably, linked by transitions that are both subtle and fluid.

At the heart of the house, a central east–west spine wall and stair gallery anchors the composition, with all spaces stemming from this organising element. Clad in large-format polished porcelain tile panels, the spine extends beyond the building envelope, terminating in sculptural copper walls and water features to the east and west. Externally, strong horizontal planes are balanced by defined vertical elements, with monolithic plaster walls, anodised silver joinery, glass balustrades and copper detailing combining to create a confident architectural presence on the hillside.