Modern Home Designed with Outdoor Views in Mind

Cymon Allfrey Architects completed the design and development of Mt. Pleasant Home, a modern home with extensive outdoor views in Christchurch, New Zealand. The 3,230 square-foot (300 square-meter) villa cascades down a hill allowing most interior rooms direct access to the gardens and sheltered courtyards.

“Our brief was to create a modern family home that considered the harsh, wind-swept environment,” the architects said. “We were to capture the dramatic vast views and provide the diversity of planning to create sheltered courtyards for outdoor living in most conditions.” Therefore, the home’s exterior is clad in cedar boards which aims to anchor the house in its idyllic setting.

“Formal and informal living spaces are grouped to allow a strong connection between family members,” the architects added. “Interconnecting doors allow a degree of separation to be achieved where necessary. Sleeping spaces are placed in the higher living pavilion providing for acoustic separation to the general living rooms.”

The minimalist interior design focuses the attention on the magical landscape beyond the windows. Three partially roofed courtyards surround the living room and offer protection from the strong winds. Be sure to check out the house plans at the end of this post for a better understanding of the project. Photography by Stephen Goodenough.