SubscribeSign In
d
Project posted by Daniel Friedrich
Editor’s Pick

Twin Peak House

View 16 Photos
Location
Kawarau Falls, Otago, New Zealand
Year
2017
Structure
House (Single Residence)
Upon entry, a sense of space and connection with the outdoors is evident. This was achieved with high raking ceilings and large clerestory windows, carefully placed to take in the rugged peak views. At the rear of the home, we created two north facing sheltered, private courtyard areas that connect to the living, kitchen and rumpus.
Upon entry, a sense of space and connection with the outdoors is evident. This was achieved with high raking ceilings and large clerestory windows, carefully placed to take in the rugged peak views. At the rear of the home, we created two north facing sheltered, private courtyard areas that connect to the living, kitchen and rumpus.
"Schist is a traditional material that dominates the region. It also has great thermal mass properties, so it made sense to embed the fireplace into the schist feature wall in the living area. As this wall is facing ‘The Remarkables’ mountain range, there had to be a visual connection to the mountain peak behind it and the sky above. We concluded that using a schist wall at the base of this window would further enhance the sense of connection and create a space that is in tune with its wider environment."
"Schist is a traditional material that dominates the region. It also has great thermal mass properties, so it made sense to embed the fireplace into the schist feature wall in the living area. As this wall is facing ‘The Remarkables’ mountain range, there had to be a visual connection to the mountain peak behind it and the sky above. We concluded that using a schist wall at the base of this window would further enhance the sense of connection and create a space that is in tune with its wider environment."
"We specified natural Larch cladding for this project because of its beautiful silver-grey colour when aged, rustic clean look, exceptional durability and zero-maintenance qualities." To further enhance the overall simple form and clean lines, a rainscreen-like facade was developed to conceal gutters and downpipes behind the cladding.
"We specified natural Larch cladding for this project because of its beautiful silver-grey colour when aged, rustic clean look, exceptional durability and zero-maintenance qualities." To further enhance the overall simple form and clean lines, a rainscreen-like facade was developed to conceal gutters and downpipes behind the cladding.
Quite high on the list of client’s objectives was a very high level of thermal performance. Generally, the amount of largely sized openings would have had the potential to cause significant heat losses. To counteract this, we introduced our clients to a German window manufacturer who is a trusted supplier that has provided a top-quality product for several of our other projects. This supplier custom built triple glazed tilt and turn joinery that was also made from Larch for an overall cohesive look.
Quite high on the list of client’s objectives was a very high level of thermal performance. Generally, the amount of largely sized openings would have had the potential to cause significant heat losses. To counteract this, we introduced our clients to a German window manufacturer who is a trusted supplier that has provided a top-quality product for several of our other projects. This supplier custom built triple glazed tilt and turn joinery that was also made from Larch for an overall cohesive look.
The supplied airtight joinery had a standard R value of 1.66, which is more than 6 times the minimum NZBC requirement. Surprisingly it reduced the overall heating demand of the home by approximately 50%.
The supplied airtight joinery had a standard R value of 1.66, which is more than 6 times the minimum NZBC requirement. Surprisingly it reduced the overall heating demand of the home by approximately 50%.
A fully insulated concrete floor provided enough thermal mass to absorb the solar energy through the full height windows and doors. An energy efficient hydronic underfloor heating system was installed to take the edge off during the cold winter months.
A fully insulated concrete floor provided enough thermal mass to absorb the solar energy through the full height windows and doors. An energy efficient hydronic underfloor heating system was installed to take the edge off during the cold winter months.
In conclusion, this home is well equipped to withstand the harsh Central Otago climate with a minimum of operational energy use. Its design features and appearance are congruent with the clients brief and it connects and reflects the natural beauty of the Central Otago landscape.
In conclusion, this home is well equipped to withstand the harsh Central Otago climate with a minimum of operational energy use. Its design features and appearance are congruent with the clients brief and it connects and reflects the natural beauty of the Central Otago landscape.

Details

Bedrooms
4
Partial Baths
2

Credits

Posted by
Architect
Daniel Friedrich
DF Design - Sustainable Architecture
Interior Design
Daniel Friedrich
Mel Ferguson
Builder
Ferguson Builders - Queenstown
Photographer
Marina Mathews Photography
Awards
Winner - 2019 Regional ADNZ Architectural Design Award
Finalist - 2019 National ADNZ Architectural Design Award
Publications
Architects Website
Stuff NZ
'Refuge in the wilds' wins big

From Daniel Friedrich

Located between Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown and ‘The Remarkables’ mountain
range, the Twin Peak house draws inspiration from its wider landscape. This house was awarded the
regional Winner and National Finalist of the 2019 ADNZ Architectural Design Awards.

"The client’s brief was to design a beautifully simple home which was, functional,
energy efficient and flooded with natural light. The house had to be positioned to
capture the stunning Jack’s Point views" says Daniel Friedrich of
DF Design - Sustainable Architecture, the Raglan based firm that designed it.