"Connection to place is at the heart of this understated house. It evokes the continuous but evolving human settlement in the Bannockburn area in Central Otago. Here, the rusted remains of gold miners’ cottages dot a stony landscape of old mine tailings along the banks of the Kawerau River. ‘It’s an intense, exposed landscape,’ says architect Bergendy Cooke, ‘and the clients wanted a home that complemented these surroundings.’ Bergendy’s response was a house embedded in the terrain, offering protection from the harsh environment while refusing to be ostentatious. The low-lying building that emerged will become even less visible over time through the patina of its materials." Photo 10 of 10 in 10 New Zealand Homes That’ll Inspire a Trip to the Edge of the Earth

10 New Zealand Homes That’ll Inspire a Trip to the Edge of the Earth

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Connection to place is at the heart of this understated house. It evokes the continuous but evolving human settlement in the Bannockburn area in Central Otago. Here, the rusted remains of gold miners’ cottages dot a stony landscape of old mine tailings along the banks of the Kawerau River. "It’s an intense, exposed landscape," says architect Bergendy Cooke, "and the clients wanted a home that complemented these surroundings." Bergendy’s response was a house embedded in the terrain, offering protection from the harsh environment while refusing to be ostentatious. The low-lying building that emerged will become even less visible over time through the patina of its materials.