Nestled against the rugged landscape of Queenstown, this striking home embodies the fusion of two distinct design traditions: Japanese minimalism and European sophistication. It’s a place where every corner whispers a quiet elegance, and where restraint is used as a canvas for beauty, comfort, and craftsmanship.
Architect Edwin Elliott says the fusion of influences is due to a combination of the setting, the clients’ German heritage and a desire to bring in the serene, timeless elements of Japanese design.
“The site, which overlooks Lake Wakatipu, looks out at a stand of century-old pine trees. These have a European influence that resonated with the clients, and we used this as a reference point for combining Japanese design into the home.”
As such, the plan of the home is designed in the shape of a traditional Japanese fan, with the point of the fan anchored into the hillside and the fan shape opening up all of the rooms to the view.
“You’re in the trees and as you get higher you see more of the view,” shares Edwin. “The origin of the fan sits at the top of the stair where you enter the home, and you can see that the timber ceiling is variegated to radiate from that point outwards.”
References to the natural surroundings are evident in the materiality of the home, with timber flooring, decking and ceilings some of the key features, reflecting both European and Japanese aesthetics.
The natural Marbled Oak Forte timber floors express that biophilic theme, radiating outward in the same fan pattern as the ceiling (also in Marbled Oak), creating a dynamic floor plate that required the installers, Floortago, an immense amount of detailed work to install.
Attention to detail was also paramount when it came to detailing the exterior. Forte’s Millboard Limed Oak and Millboard Embered Oak were used on the exterior living spaces, continuing seamlessly the same radiating fan lines from the interior outside on the decking and eaves.
In contrast to the pale tones of the oak flooring and decking, Forte’s rich charcoal-coloured Muuro Buff was used as cladding in the interior spa and other outdoor areas.
“It’s really good from a maintenance point of view because even in the spa if it gets wet it’s not a problem because it’s a composite material,” shares Edwin.
The material palette of contrasting dark and light elements speaks to the intentionality behind the home’s design:
“It’s quite a simple palette, black, white and natural timber and stone; it’s very pared back but it carries that Japanese theme through and there’s a beauty in that minimalism.”
Since the family has moved in, Edwin says they enjoy the home’s simplicity of design, which perfectly reflects their lifestyle and showcases their own inspiring artworks.
