Travancore

The house nestles into the hillside, and a gabled roof mimics the form and scale of the neighbouring houses, helping this infill addition sit comfortably on the street. The material palette is simple both inside and out - white, concrete, timber, and a few surprises, like the flash of ‘Intensity Leaf’ green to the soffit on the mid-level.

Upstairs contains living spaces, two bedrooms and a bathroom, all with lofty ceilings following that gable line, and a dramatic view to the north down the valley toward the city. Downstairs, another bedroom, bathroom, and the front door, opening out onto the greenhouse deck. This flexible space can be sheltered or open - controlled by moving polycarbonate screens - giving options in the often blustery Wellington conditions.

The house is warm, generous and comfortable; a surprising outcome on this extremely compact 186 square metre site.