Portfolio / Taupo House

The clients’ brief was to provide a ‘spacious yet space efficient’ home that integrated the existing two-bedroom weatherboard cottage whilst taking in the breath-taking views of Lake Taupo.

Located on an elevated site with a northerly aspect over Lake Taupo and Mount Ruapehu to the west, the existing cottage was relocated and connected through two new two storey pavilions. 

The main living pavilion boasts a double height contemporary open plan living area with floor to ceiling bookshelf feature overlooked by a hovering upper level day lounge that connects the user to both house and landscape.

Passive heating principles were incorporated to allow natural air circulation between the levels.

The existing cottage is used both as an art studio and a B&B accommodation, with the garage/guest bedroom pavilion providing the necessary privacy between new and old.

With clearly defined modern lines, this home reunites the old with the new and provides a fresh spacious, user friendly home environment.