Soaking in the view

A magical house in a magical spot in the magical land of New Zealand. Pardon me if I stay on the deck while you pop over to LTD Architectural Design Studio to see the rest of the house. Such a clever transformation from deck to dining to twin tubs for twin soaking ... soaking in the water and soaking in the view. (I'm assuming the tubs are hand or hose filled with simple drainage of the grey water into the garden. Now where can I incorporate this into my house?)

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Land of the long white cloud

New Zealand ... a spectacularly beautiful land. Which raises the question, if you live in a stunning setting what do you do with your house design? Do you give up and live in a nondescript building because it is all too hard? Do you go at it all guns blazing hoping to beat those goddamn majestic mountains down to size, show 'em who is boss or do you do what architects Sumich Chaplin have achieved with this Central Otago home? Build a strong, sympathetic building that celebrates its surroundings yet sits solidly, and peacefully, on the site.

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The Stables

Strong, resolved and enriching architecture. That is what New Zealand design boutique practice McKinney + Windeatt Architects aims to provide and their project, The Stables is a fine example. From its ivy clad walls to the dramatic profile of floor to ceiling, wall to wall steel and glass windows curtains flapping in the breeze, from the cosy confines of the exposed brick kitchen to the bright sunlight streaming in to the adjoining private terrace, all joined by the consistent march of the connecting staircase the house is part stage, part gallery, all home.

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Onetangi Beach House

There's something subliminal going on with my posts so far this week. Beach houses and holiday rental accommodation, accommodation and houses by the sea. Perhaps I need some time off? A holiday in a beach house? Or perhaps it's just where the interwebs have taken me this week. Like this beautiful home at Onetangi Beach by New Zealand design firm Sumich Chaplin Architects. Open the doors and drink in that view.

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Here

In my daydreams I'm sitting here with my favourite book with only the occasional bird call to disturb my concentration. You can see more of this stunning house by Sumich Chaplin Architects here.

Photography by Simon Devitt