Location: Queensberry
Photographer: Jem Cresswell & Larkin Design
Energy Efficient Home in Queensberry Hills
Nestled in the foothills of the Pisa Range between Wānaka and Cromwell, this retreat sits in a dramatic environment of strong winds, winter chills, and ever-shifting skies. Designed for Sydney-based clients seeking an escape from dense urban living, the house blends into its setting with a flat-roofed form and schist-chip roof that merge with the tussock and farmland below.
Box-like forms create an L-shaped footprint that encloses a sheltered courtyard, offering private outdoor living cut into the hillside. Durable board-formed concrete cladding gives the home a richly textured surface that changes with the seasons, while expansive glazing frames both the courtyard and distant mountain views. Inside, polished ebony-toned concrete floors, an exposed hearth, and a sculptural Cheminees Philippe woodburning fire bring warmth and connection to the rugged landscape.
High-performance construction ensures year-round comfort, with a fully insulated slab, precast walls lined with continuous insulation, and airtight detailing supported by a heat recovery ventilation system. Together with on-site grey and black water systems, these measures create a durable, efficient, and enduring home in this alpine environment.
