Tasman View House

Tasman View House

  • Richmond, Tasman
  • Photos: Simon Devitt, Oliver Weber
  • WINNER: 2018 Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects.

Tasman View is a low maintenance sleek house on the foothills of the Richmond Ranges. An extra thick insulated envelope of metal roofing and aluminium cladding wrap over elements of cedar shiplap and Fijian Kauri. These materials flow on to the inside.

Irresistible views to the west led to the idea of a shading “engawa”, or transitional deck. The timber shading screens slide anywhere along the deck to deal with low level sun. They add texture, shadow and create a feeling of enclosure even with all the doors open.

The entry is very much a Japanese “Genkan”; the external path blends into the public entry which formally steps up into the house. The rear courtyard is protected from any breeze and provides a balance to the expansive views.

All roof rain water is stored in water tanks buried in front of the house and all wastewater is treated on-site.