If you’ve never been to New Zealand then you only need to ask a friend who has or read even the simplest tourist review to learn about its reputation for gorgeous sprawling green space, luscious nature, and waters fit for some of the best surfing around. It makes sense, then, that designers and architects in the area would be intent on building homes that take advantage of the views and the space available.
That’s exactly what Pattersons tried to do when they conceptualized and built Parihoa House, a beautiful private home on a hillside in Muriwai, New Zealand. Completed in 2009, the house catches the eye of anyone approaching it immediately thanks to its contemporary lines and modern materials in contrast to the rolling green countryside surrounding it. Far from looking out of place, however, the dark wooden materials used to build the walls and the big windows designed to incorporate the view into the home somehow blend it into nature visually despite its modern shape.
Inside the walls of the home, you’ll find open concept living rooms and family rooms, as well as spacious master bedrooms, all with cozy furniture set to face outwards. This lets residents soak in the hillside view just beyond the floor to ceiling windows no matter where in the house you’re relaxing.
Perhaps the most unique aspect of the home, however, is the swimming pool and patio area. Upon first glance, it might look like an indoor pool area thanks to the sturdy wooden walls built up around it for privacy. If you hop in, float onto your back, and look up above you, however, you’ll notice that the area is built without a roof, allowing the sun, the sky, and the breeze to remain a part of your swimming experience even though you’re within the privacy of your own home. We can hardly think of a more enjoyable blend between modern home design and gorgeous rolling countryside living.
Photos by: Simon Devitt, Jean Luc-Laloux
