The architects for this Christchurch house had a big brief. The clients wanted to arrive to a completely finished house. They didn’t want to move in while the builders were still on site or have electrical cords waiting to be connected, landscaping to be completed, or any of the other bits and pieces that often trail behind a house project.

This, says architect Christopher Wilson, Director of Wilson and Hill Architects, gave them the opportunity to work on every detail of the finished look - including the unusual assignment of selecting a baby grand for the music room.

The house was planned in an H-shape, with two bedroom wings on either side of the living wing. It is a single story but the central area has a higher ceiling to reflect the tall copper cladding on the outside. There is a formal pond that runs either side of a bridge linking a large courtyard to the entry door.

Natural materials such as concrete, timber, stone and copper have been used on the exterior. The concrete and stone were used to create a sense of mass and solidity, and the timber and dark fascia provide a horizontal contrast and link the solid elements, says Wilson.

Inside, the natural material palette is continued. This is a link from the exterior and allows the views to take centre stage. The significant 10,000m² site offers views on both sides; the tall horizontal windows on the north side of the u-shaped gallery frame a panoramic view of the lake.

This hallway also links the three wings – family bedrooms, living spaces, and guest facilities. Bedrooms and living rooms look out over another lake on the southern side of the house. There are six bedrooms, and a range of different living areas, including a music room and a study room. The H shape of the plan means that the large house can easily be scaled down by the family when there are no guests.

The architects have successfully paired a grand scale with sleek styling in this impressive family home.