Condon Scott Architects Ltd.

Ruby Ridge House

Ruby Ridge House
© Simon Devitt

RUBY RIDGE HOUSE

Condon Scott Architects

ENGINEERING
Carl Meyer

CATEGORY
Houses

LOCATION
Wanaka, New Zealand

AREA
290 m²

PHOTOGRAPHS
Simon Devitt

BUILDER
Nigel Lock

YEAR
2020

MANUFACTURERS
Graphisoft, Dryden, Fisher & Paykel, Jetmaster, Legrand, Resene, Allproof, Blum NZ, Calder Stewart, Cavalier Bremworth, Citta, David Shaw, Design Windows/APL, Edito, FIRTH, Forte Flooring, Futonz Natural Beds, GIB, HERMPAC, Halcyon, James Hardie, Luxaflex, Mr Ralph, Placemakers Wanaka, Plumbline, Stovax, Tile Warehouse, Wilson & Dorset, Windsor Architectural Hardware

Ruby Ridge House
© Simon Devitt
Ruby Ridge House
© Simon Devitt

With a bold mask to the suburban street, this house leaves all the pleasure for the people who reside within its walls. Located on an elevated site in a relatively new subdivision overlooking Lake Wanaka, the house is a place to privately and comfortably indulge in the extensive mountain and lake views the alpine town is known for.

Ruby Ridge House
© Simon Devitt
Ruby Ridge House
© Simon Devitt

Designed by Barry Condon of Condon Scott Architects, Ruby Ridge House is situated on a challenging, wedge-shaped site that borders two suburban streets.

With a simple, mono-pitched roof and curve-edged, cedar-clad walls, the dynamic design directs the observer’s view towards the alpine panorama ahead, allowing the homeowners to enjoy their space without the sense of being overlooked.

Ruby Ridge House
© Simon Devitt
Ruby Ridge House
© Simon Devitt

“The Ruby Ridge site is bordered by suburban streets on two sides so we wanted create a design that would make the occupants of the house feel secure and not overlooked from the street,” says Barry.

Ruby Ridge House
© Simon Devitt
Ruby Ridge House
© Simon Devitt

Two types of cedar cladding, with a dark and a warm stain, accentuate the lines of the windows and roof. Boardform concrete contrasts with the timber, and both materials spill into the interiors, providing a visual consistency inside and out.

The living space is configured around courtyards that are sheltered, private, and flow seamlessly from the interiors, with the body of the house providing both a windbreak and a visual barrier.

Ruby Ridge House
© Simon Devitt
Ruby Ridge House
© Simon Devitt

Linked through stacking aluminum sliders, these courtyards are an extension of the living space and can be enjoyed year-round, with a boardform concrete outdoor fireplace for cooler nights.

The front deck also flows easily from the living area, with the French oak floorboards appearing to merge with the Kwila decking. “We wanted to create some outdoor shelter as the site can experience strong seasonal on shore winds.

Ruby Ridge House
© Simon Devitt
Ruby Ridge House
© Simon Devitt

To counter this, we have designed a series of internal courtyards so the occupants can retreat back into these spaces on windy days, effectively using the house as a windbreak whilst still maintaining a visual connection to the view,” says Barry.

Living spaces and bedrooms are located in the sun-soaked northern wing of the house, where the view is at its best.

Ruby Ridge House
© Simon Devitt
Ruby Ridge House
© Simon Devitt

In the southern wing, the architect has located the garaging, guest bunkrooms and ancillary spaces.

“It was a challenging site to work with, but we knew the view would be paramount to the design,” says Barry.

Ruby Ridge House
© Simon Devitt
Ruby Ridge House
© Simon Devitt

“From the moment of entry into the foyer at the rear of the house, the space compresses and you are drawn through into the living room, with your eye focused on the mountains and lake beyond.”

Ruby Ridge House
© Simon Devitt
Ruby Ridge House
© Simon Devitt

Condon Scott Architects is an award-winning, Wanaka-based practice that has completed over 600 residential and commercial projects in the Otago region over the past 30 years.

Ruby Ridge House
© Simon Devitt


Ruby Ridge House
Site Plan
Ruby Ridge House
Floor Plan


Ruby Ridge House
Elevations
Ruby Ridge House
Sections

Condon Scott Architects Ltd.
T +64 3 4437919
Condon Scott Architects Ltd.
37 McDougall Street, Wānaka 9305, New Zealand