Kelvin Heights House: A Stunning Solution for Steep Site Challenges

Kelvin Heights House: A Steep Challenge

The Kelvin Heights House is a stunning family home that sits on a steeply sloping site overlooking the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown. Designed by Condon Scott Architects, this house was created to capitalize on the beautiful views of the lake and mountains, while also dealing with the complexities of a steep escarpment that diagonally cuts the site in two. The project presented several challenges, from construction to height restrictions, but the result is a discreet and restrained house that opens up to excellent views of Lake Wakatipu.

A Solution that Fit

The steepness of the site presented challenges not only from a construction perspective but also by the 7.0m height control envelope which restricted roof form heights once over the edge of the escarpment. Condon Scott Architects came up with a solution that comprised of a series of stepped levels contained within two wedge-shaped forms designed to fit under the height control envelope. The southern wedge containing the guest bedrooms presents to the street, while the northern wedge is orientated west to the big view and contains the day-to-day living and the master bedroom suite. The two wedges are linked by a low roofed element creating courtyards to capitalize on morning sun and provide a sheltered retreat on windy days.

Drilled into the Site

The building is literally drilled into the site with starter bars driven into the schist stone the footings to the foundation walls of the house. The ground-works and up-to-slab level construction took almost half of the build time with the steep terrain making it difficult to access and operate machinery, particularly at the lower levels of the site. The attention to planning, orientation and siting has resulted in a variety of internal and external spaces that provide numerous options for enjoyment, no matter what the weather conditions.

Illusion of Floating

Progression through the house offers a series of glimpse views before culminating in the living space with its oversized panes of glass that focus on the main view and create the illusion of floating high over the lake. The Kelvin Heights House is a beautiful example of architecture that works with the natural surroundings to create a beautiful and functional space that blends seamlessly with the environment. The Winner of the NZIA 2018 Southern Architecture Award, this house is a testament to the skill and creativity of Condon Scott Architects.

Read also about the Innovative and Sustainable Architecture at Mount Jordan Middle School project