Set on a prominent corner in Wanaka’s West Meadows, Terrace House strikes a balance between grounded simplicity and refined expression. Conceived as a modern alpine retreat for extended family living, its interlocking pavilions — clad in fluted block, shiplap cedar, and steel — respond sensitively to the site’s topography and the shifting needs of those who gather within.

A series of stepped forms not only settle the home comfortably into the land but also shape privacy and reveal — screening the street while framing cinematic glimpses of Mount Roy and Lake Wanaka. A glazed link between the pavilions allows light to pour in and opens onto a dual-purpose courtyard, offering both function and spillover space for guests and children. Inside, the open-plan living area lifts toward the sky, where full-height glazing captures the northern sun and uninterrupted mountain views.

Beneath the clean forms lies a rigorously efficient plan, tailored to a tight budget without compromising comfort or generosity. Passive solar design, hydronic underfloor heating, and carefully placed thermal mass work in harmony to ensure year-round performance. Every element — from the entry sequence to the lifted ceiling lines — reflects a commitment to economy, landscape, and lifestyle.