Petalite Lane, Wānaka

Set on a terraced hillside site, within a suburban Wānaka setting, this home is positioned to capture uninterrupted northern views up Lake Wānaka and across the surrounding landscape. The design responds to both its elevated outlook and immediate context, balancing openness with a sense of shelter and retreat.

The floorplan is conceived as two seperate wings arranged around a central living, kitchen and dining area, along with an internal courtyard. This courtyard brings light and air into the heart of the home while offering a sheltered outdoor room for year-round use.

An elevated concrete slab raises the building above the natural ground plane, extending views from the primary living spaces. Over-height ceilings combine with full-height glazing and clerestory windows to maximise outlook and natural light.

The brief called for a contemporary, high-end home designed for entertaining. The client wanted flexibility in the living areas; the ability to opt for a different space depending on the weather, time of day and occasion. This was addressed as a primary open-plan living area oriented to the north, a more intimate formal lounge, a generous northern deck and the internal courtyard.

Material selection is restrained, drawing on modest, locally familiar materials including cedar, schist and polished concrete. The palette is natural and textural, referencing the Central Otago landscape.

Condon Scott has been engaged to deliver both architecture and interior design, ensuring a cohesive and carefully considered outcome across all aspects of the project.