In a heartbeat
It took decades for these homeowners to make a move across the world but thanks to Team Green Architects and YBL Building, creating this Queenstown abode was a breeze.
WORDS Kathy Catton PHOTOGRAPHY Simon Larkin
The team at Monk Earthworks are no strangers to developing a space to turn a great project into a masterpiece – Director Sam Monk’s grandfather owned the very first digger in the Queenstown district. Here Monk Earthworks has provided a seamless solution that perfectly complements the home.
When this homeowner first landed in Queenstown on holiday from the UK in 1991, he knew at once it was the place he would one day make his permanent home. The sheer beauty, wild elegance and mountain-town vibe all drew him in instantly.
“When the aircraft doors opened, my heart went pitter patter wow and that was it,” he says. “For the intervening years my thoughts were filled with the place. Finally in 2019 – some two-plus decades later – it was the right time to start the process of moving here for good.”
Originally the homeowner had his eyes set on another property, but that fell through. “I think the agent had almost given up on me, but he introduced me to a plot of land that wasn’t even for sale, and, just like my first visit to the town, it was love at first sight.”
The level, grassy section has 360-degree views of Queenstown’s most famous mountain peaks. In the suburb of Dalefield, to the north of Queenstown airport, the 8300sqm site sits serenely amongst nature.
Oak Sand Grey Sauvage and Oak Sand Grey flooring by HARO Flooring provide the footprint to this stunning Queenstown home.
Once the deal was done, the homeowner contacted Team Green Architects and YBL Building.
Architects Sian Taylor and Mark Read from Team Green Architects had helped the homeowner with some questions earlier in his search, so they were the obvious first choice for the job. Says the homeowner: “In terms of buy versus build, our approach was very much that life’s an adventure, let’s try it.”
The design brief had two parts. Firstly, it needed to survive and thrive in the harsh South Island climate: wind, cold, snow and intense sun were all to be factored into the build. “We wanted to make sure that our house was comfortable with all these factors, yet still making the most of the stunning views.”
The second part was that once the elements were being kept at bay outside the house, the inside would concentrate on being a haven of calm and tranquillity for the homeowner.
The result is a home that centres on a main living area, which projects out to the views beyond and forms a vertical core in a T-shape structure. On either side of the living room are bedroom wings: one for guests, and the other a family wing with a snug.
Says Sian of Team Green Architects: “It’s quite a pragmatic layout in terms of the planning arrangement, with everything orientated to the north to get maximum sunlight. And, of course, there are low-energy aspects throughout the home, including that it is airtight with heat recovery ventilation.”
These Passive-designed, low-energy aspects are what Team Green does best: triple-glazed European windows, thick wool insulation, a fully insulated slab and a ventilation system. It’s next-generation architecture aimed at setting the standard for energy efficiency and Passive House design.
“We actually used a combination system for ventilation, hot water and in-slab heating in this home,” says Sian. “It’s one of the first times it’s been used in New Zealand. They are German-engineered systems that really work well for this climate.”
Naturally north-facing, the build had to be conscious of the sun’s angle on any given day of the year. Too much sun in summer or too little in winter can make significant differences. The homeowners were delighted with Team Green’s awareness of this. “Many features are a nod to the importance of harnessing the environment, not fighting it,” says the homeowner.
The challenge in this project came in the form of navigating a global pandemic and the ensuing supply chain disruptions. During construction the homeowner was still overseas, so much of the communication took place via Zoom. “We have to credit the architect and the builder, whose professionalism and understanding of the process meant disruptions were just a hindrance rather than a showstopper,” says the homeowner.
The builder, Scott Yardley of YBL Building, is fast gaining his company the reputation of building high- end homes to the Passive House principles.
“Working with these energy-efficient materials, such as Terra Lana insulation, triple-glazed European window frames, and Pro Clima Intello Plus vapour and air control layer, has allowed us to continue to build good practices and work with products that achieve a great result, well above the standard Building Code. We like to call ourselves Queenstown’s high-performance building experts,” says Scott.
“I’m really proud of this home,” he says. “Even despite the delays in Gib and other materials due to Covid-19-induced supply issues, we managed to hand over the home to the homeowners before Christmas – just as we had agreed. That’s a very satisfying feeling.”
Probably the biggest compliment from the homeowner is that if they ever built again, they would work with Team Green Architecture and YBL without hesitation. “Scott and his team at YBL were not only the most well-organised building crew I have ever come across, but they also went above and beyond to help us get finished through the Covid-19-related challenges,” says the homeowner. “The quality of craftsmanship is apparent.”
In fact, Scott is now building the home on a neighbouring section, after being approached when working on this home.
The homeowner continues: “Team Green was with us every step of the way. Their knowledge and passion for the build and its environment were obvious, and their vision for the holistic whole came together brilliantly in the finished product. Having such experts guide us through the journey and being on our side was worth its weight in gold.”
To the homeowner, the beautiful big windows with larch wooden surrounds are stand-outs. “We love the framed picture-postcard views all around the house, as well as the secret wing end of the house. The flow of the home is just so perfectly in tune with the tranquil nature of the initial brief.”
The dream Queenstown home was clearly worth the wait and will be enjoyed for several more decades to come.
The ultimate outdoors
The homeowners were in search of a unique outdoor fire that would create a statement piece out on the deck. Made by Metal Effect, a small family business based in Cromwell, the fire is perfect for keeping the family warm on those cooler Queenstown evenings and is always a joy to look at, no matter the weather.
Involved in this project
BUILDER
YBL Building
027 233 1446
yblbuilding.nz
ARCHITECT
Team Green Architects
021 942 985
teamgreenarchitects.co.nz
FLOORING
HARO Flooring New Zealand
0800 427 669
haro.co.nz
CIVIL CONSTRUCTION
Monk Earthworks
03 409 8308
monkearthworks.co.nz
CUSTOM OUTDOOR FIRE
The Metal Effect Cromwell
027 227 5533
metaleffect.co.nz
VAPOUR & AIR CONTROL LAYER
Pro Clima
0800 776 254
proclima.co.nz
