Tai Tapa House by AW Architects in Tai Tapa, New Zealand

Project: Tai Tapa House
Architects: AW Architects
Location: Tai Tapa, New Zealand
Area: 3,659 sq ft
Photos: Provided by AW Architects

Tai Tapa House by AW Architects

AW Architects designed the Tai Tapa House in New Zealand. This beautiful modern home offers just under 4,000 square feet of living space surrounded by absolutely stunning natural landscapes typical of New Zealand.

The Tai Tapa House is located on the western slope of a hill in the lower parts of the harbor hills, approximately 5 km from Tai Tapa. The site is in an area of exceptional natural landscapes and underwent a strict approval process considering its visual impact.

The building is designed to stretch from contour to contour in a north-south direction, with the main orientation facing west. The structure is embedded into the landscape, allowing prevailing eastern winds to pass over the house. Landscape walls rise from contours, creating a garage level and driveway at the bottom, with the main form positioned above. The upper landscape walls create a sheltered outdoor courtyard to protect from north-west winds.

The materials emphasize sculptural form – a smooth black wedge with Swiss pearl paneling, featuring cut-out areas in monolithic white. Wall structures are made of monolithic natural plaster rising from the landscape. Wooden terraces and floors add warmth to the materials. The landscape is deliberately rough, with minimal plantings. As native grass returns, it will be managed to allow the house to naturally integrate into its surroundings.

The house is planned to create a sense of arrival at the first floor level with a practical wardrobe and shoe area, along with a comfortable relaxation spot. The staircase is oriented to provide a dramatic western view when ascending to the second floor. On the second level, a corridor runs along the eastern wall – bedrooms are located to the south with openings facing north, offering an open-plan kitchen, dining room and living area. The house frames views to the south (from the bedroom) and west (from the dining room).

– AW Architects