Ruby Ridge House

“Ruby Ridge house is an expertly crafted solution that stands out as something very special. The disciplined use of materials enhances the curves of the built form. Detail in every detail.”
NZIA Jury citation, 2020 NZIA Southern Architecture Awards

With a bold mask to the suburban street, this house leaves all the pleasure for the people who reside within its walls. Located on an elevated site in a relatively new subdivision overlooking Lake Wanaka, the house is a place to privately and comfortably indulge in the extensive mountain and lake views the alpine town is known for.

The Ruby Ridge House is situated on a challenging, wedge-shaped site that borders two suburban streets. With a simple, mono-pitched roof and curve-edged, cedar-clad walls, the dynamic design directs the observer’s view towards the alpine panorama ahead, allowing the homeowners to enjoy their space without the sense of being overlooked.

Two types of cedar cladding, with a dark and a warm stain, accentuate the lines of the windows and roof. Boardform concrete contrasts with the timber, and both materials spill into the interiors, providing a visual consistency inside and out.

The living space is configured around courtyards that are sheltered, private, and flow seamlessly from the interiors, with the body of the house providing both a windbreak and a visual barrier. Linked through stacking aluminum sliders, these courtyards are an extension of the living space and can be enjoyed year-round, with a boardform concrete outdoor fireplace for cooler nights. The front deck also flows easily from the living area, with the French oak floorboards appearing to merge with the Kwila decking.

Living spaces and bedrooms are located in the sun-soaked northern wing of the house, where the view is at its best. In the southern wing, the architect has located the garaging, guest bunkrooms and ancillary spaces.