Residential project

Scarborough Hill House

Client:
Private
Location:
Christchurch New Zealand
Delivered:
2010

Nestled into the western face of Scarborough Hill, this residence is carefully positioned to capture expansive ocean and Sumner views while remaining sheltered from prevailing easterlies. Embedded into the hillside, the house steps across five levels, using its topography to balance outlook, protection and privacy.

Full-height interior sliding screens glazed with opalescent glass diffuse natural light throughout the home, generating layered and distinctive spatial qualities. A flexible planning arrangement allows spaces to open generously for entertaining or close down to create intimate retreats, with this adaptability extending seamlessly to outdoor living areas. A commercial lift provides secondary access to four levels, including a dedicated services floor, supporting ease of movement across the vertically organised plan.

Stone forms a unifying architectural theme, used extensively in the stair gallery, wine cellar and fire surrounds. Sourced directly from site excavations, it grounds the house within its landscape, with the stair gallery stone wall transitioning fluidly between interior and exterior. Externally, strong horizontal forms are articulated with defined vertical elements, while composite cladding in tones of pewter and white, silver anodised aluminium, glass balustrades, stone and negative-detailed timber combine to create a composed and enduring presence on the hillside.