Perched beside the tranquil shores of Lake Hāwea, this modern retreat exemplifies the seamless blending of architecture and landscape. The house offers a minimalist, low-profile form clad in natural timber, which echoes the surrounding hillsides and creates a warm, grounded aesthetic that sits lightly within the dramatic Central Otago landscape.

The home’s linear, pavilion-style structure is deliberate in its orientation—maximizing lake views while shielding from prevailing winds. The use of vertical cedar cladding adds both elegance and durability, aging gracefully to merge into the landscape over time.

Clean lines, deep reveals, and rhythmic structural bays create a strong yet understated facade. Full-height glass panels and generous sliding doors not only dissolve the boundaries between inside and out but also flood the interiors with natural light, framing postcard-worthy views in every direction.

Inside, the house maintains a sense of calm and softness through a restrained material palette: whitewashed timber walls, polished concrete floors, and exposed rafters that evoke a refined rustic charm. Every detail—from the dual-sided fireplace to the built-in timber nooks—reinforces the home's focus on comfort and connection to place.

The open-plan kitchen and dining area is the social heart of the home, designed for both functionality and casual elegance. Textural warmth from timber cabinetry contrasts beautifully with cool stone countertops, and large picture windows draw the eye toward sunset views over the lake.

The home's layout is highly intentional. A welcoming entrance nook clad in timber acts as a buffer between the elements and the calm interior. The living spaces are zoned for privacy without isolation, offering open communal areas as well as tucked-away retreats.

Storage, lighting, and furnishings are all approached with the same architectural discipline—never distracting, always enhancing.

This house is more than just a getaway—it’s an architectural statement about belonging to the land. It speaks to clients who value natural beauty, thoughtful craftsmanship, and enduring design. Whether used as a private residence or a luxury retreat, the home’s serene aesthetic and environmental sensibility make it a timeless and deeply livable space.