This New Zealand Holiday Home Is as Cozy as a Cocoon

A tight plan, all-timber interiors, and moody lighting give one young family of five a snug escape.

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Project Details:

Location: Wanaka, New Zealand

Architect: Condon Scott Architects / @condonscott

Builder: Christie Brothers Building / @christiebrothersbuilding

Structural Engineer: Meyer Cruden Engineering

Lighting: ECC / @eccnewzealand

Interior Design: Condon Scott Architects / @condonscott

Joinery: B&M Joinery / @bmjoineryltd

Interior Furnishings: The Workroom & Wilson & Dorset

Photographer: Simon Devitt / @simon_devitt

From the Architect: "It was on a Japanese ski trip that the owners of this house in Wanaka, New Zealand, came to appreciate the efficiency of small spaces. Based in Singapore, the family of five took annual trips to Wanaka, usually staying with extended family. The idea for Sugi House was conceived to allow for a degree of separation on their trips.

"The floor plan is tight but carefully considered. The lower floor contains a double-height living and kitchen space separated from the kids’ bathroom and bedroom by the staircase. Upstairs is a double bedroom with an en suite, an office, and storage. The interiors deliver on the requested Japanese, minimalist look, with black fittings and joinery contrasted against the timber linings, a sculptural ceiling fan, and flush cabinetry. The wet-room style of the compact bathroom is reminiscent of a Japanese spa with floor-to-ceiling, stone-look tiles.

"The house also has a strong materiality externally, with a singular cladding and roofing material of warm cedar shingles, which has the added benefit of being low maintenance. As the house faces the street, glazing is restrained and aimed toward views to the west of Mt Roy. The southern facade is free of windows to prevent the gaze of neighbors as they approach from the access way. The result is a relaxing and stylish home away from home for this jet-setting family."