Whareroa

RESIDENTIAL

• PROJECT

  Whareroa

• LOCATION

  Whareroa, Lake Taupō

• STATUS

  Completed

• AWARDS

  • Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty Architecture Award, Housing

  • Designers Institute Best Awards, Residential Silver 2024

A family retreat tucked into the head of a valley at the south western end of Lake Taupo

Whareroa is a home away from home for a busy family, and at times a meeting place for extended family and friends to gather, fish and enjoy a slower pace of life.  The building is a triangular shaped form tucked into the hillside, picking up on the angles and orientation of the shape of the site. It opens out to the north and to the native forest to the west, with glimpses of the lake to the east.

The clients wanted a warm house, both in atmosphere and appearance.  Timber linings wrap around curing walls to the interior, and the fireplaces help to wash the walls with a warm glow into the evenings.

Light stalks penetrate through a living roof on top, scooping light down deep into the plan on gloomier days.  At night, the stalks animate the living roof above, washing light from the spaces below.  The living roof also provides an attractive elevation for passers by, walking the track that traverses through the bush behind the site.