Karangahake House / MAKE Architects

Enveloped by dense native forest-covered mountain ranges, through the last bridge towards a small East Coast town on New Zealand’s North Island, the Karangahake House sits on the edge of a plateau that rolls off into a steep valley below. Surrounded by 3600 views of neighbouring farmlands, it is completely secluded with endless green plains and big blue skies. Orientation was key to maximize Northern views of nearby ranges and Mt Te Aroha (Love Mountain) across historical gold-mining gorge and Eastern views down to a winding river. Meticulous spatial design created vignettes to crucial scenic moments of these surroundings, with a specific client request to capture the Western setting sun behind Mt Karangahake, enjoyed right from the dinner table.