Lake Ohau.

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Modern house with large glass windows showing a cozy living room indoors, surrounded by a natural landscape at dusk.
Exterior view of modern wooden house with large glass windows and a gravel pathway, illuminated during sunset.
Modern wooden house with large glass windows, trees, and mountain in the background during sunset.
Modern single-story house with large glass windows and wooden exterior, set against a sunset sky with mountains in the background.
Wooden deck with outdoor furniture and a mountain view in the distance during sunset or sunrise.
Interior view of a modern kitchen and balcony area with wooden finishes, stainless steel refrigerator, bar stools, and sliding glass doors leading to an outdoor wooden deck.
Modern dining area with wooden ceiling and walls, large windows showing mountain landscape, wooden table with leather chairs, and contemporary lighting fixtures.
Modern kitchen with wooden cabinetry, a rectangular dining table, brown leather chairs, a green tiled backsplash, and large windows and sliding glass doors with curtains leading to an outdoor deck.
Modern kitchen with wooden cabinetry, a rectangular dining table with six leather chairs, a green tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances.
Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, stainless steel oven and stove, brick backsplash, and stainless steel countertop with sink.
Modern living room with wooden walls and ceiling, large windows showing mountain scenery, beige sofas, a flat-screen TV on the wall, a wooden dining table with leather chairs, and a kitchen counter with a mini fridge.
Close-up view of a modern wooden house exterior with horizontal wooden slats and a glass side wall, overlooking a scenic lake and mountain landscape under a blue sky with a few clouds.
A modern shower with a handheld showerhead, gray tiled walls, and an open skylight showing blue sky and clouds.
Modern bathroom with gray tiled walls and floor, a white rectangular wall-mounted sink, a black-framed rectangular mirror, and a wooden ceiling light.
Wood-paneled bedroom with a bed, white pillows, beige blanket, plaid throw, black bedside light, black window frame, mountain view outside the window.
Room with wood-paneled walls and ceiling, featuring two sets of wooden bunk beds, each with a lower and upper bed, and two dark gray sofas at the sides.
Close-up of a wooden structure with shelves and a bed or sofa with a plaid blanket and an orange pillow with a wire rack on the side

  • Lake Ohau bach offers a retreat amongst the untouched, wild landscape of the Waitaki District. Designed to reflect its surroundings with sustainable principles at the forefront, the 150m2 space is dressed in a diverse range of natural materials, including larch, gaboon plywood and volcanic rock, helping it to amalgamate into the dramatic scenery. The minimalist floorplan and deliberate glass placement picture frames a diverse range of views, providing an intrinsic space for a secluded getaway.

  • Untouched nature prompted a design solution that would have minimal impact on the landscape which lead to a timber piled foundation system bordered with above ground stone gabion baskets. These elements encompass a feeling of ‘light impact’ with the heavier border helping to ground the structure. The zone location meant the weather conditions and sustainable design also needed to be accounted for. Natural and renewable building materials, a high-performance building envelope, efficient heating systems and integrated passive design strategies work together to create a low carbon emitting structure. The roof and the house were designed with maximum high level solar access due to house situated to the north of the site on a high-level building platform.

    Site orientation proved to be a puzzle, with views to the east, northern boundaries shaded by mountains and the least exceptional site boundary being the one that faced west. This was solved by specific window placement and large interconnecting outdoor living space allows for a highly functional building footprint that works with the relevant sites constraints rather than against them. Landscaping features were driven by the Ohau design guide, recommending a mixture of native grasses and tussocks that had minimal impact on the landscape. Functional internal living and sleeping spaces camouflage seamlessly with outdoor landscaped living, providing a highly usable and multi-faceted space.

  • The interior of this holiday retreat embraces a warm, grounded aesthetic through a carefully curated palette of natural materials and textures. A Gaboon plywood kitchen anchors the space with a subtle, organic warmth, while spotted gum flooring adds depth and durability underfoot. Earthy-toned tiles offer a tactile connection to the surrounding landscape, reinforcing the home’s place within its environment. Oak bunkbeds provide a soft contrast with their pale, natural finish, and a custom Kwila bench—complete with a rebated stainless steel top—adds a touch of nostalgic ‘kiwiana’ charm. Finishing touches like walnut light fittings bring a rich, refined tone to the overall interior, enhancing the layered and welcoming atmosphere.

  • Located - Ohau 

    Completed - 2023

    Photography - Stephen Goodenough

    Crafted by - Majestic Housing