There’s more to see than at first meets the eye when coloured concrete responds to natural dynamics.
In association with Peter Fell.
An architecture that eschews the schist-meets-timber material combo so often found in our alpine climes and instead embraces clean lines and concrete. That’s what owners Rachel Hooke and Brett Lunn envisioned for their Tāhuna/Queenstown home, and this sleek, understated residence that encircles a courtyard is a design response that keys into that brief beautifully.
In the courtyard, an oculus to the sky is the sole connection with the environment. While it encourages the owners to look up, internally their view is shaped less by ubiquitous widespread glazing, and more by the considered palette all around. A boardform concrete spine anchors the plan, cedar-clad ceilings extend out as deep eaves and concrete floors flow like a river of stone to connect the living areas.
The polished concrete shines as a confident base that ties in with the industrial material direction, and the owners chose colour PFL698 from Peter Fell’s Premium Charcoal range — its dark tones reminiscent of the greywacke bedrock of the mountains beyond.
The floor’s spare aesthetic belies the way it changes shade with the passing hours, how its sheen supports the shifting silhouettes of the day. An intentional decision for concrete floors has also delivered some surprising moments. One morning as Brett headed towards the kitchen for a wake-me-up coffee, he was impelled to pause as orange-red sunlight spilled down the length of the gallery — a private floor-show to embrace the natural order, welcomed within.
peterfell.co.nz