The jury’s comment:

“Cinematic, compelling, a perfect infusion of landscape, architecture and interior – it’s almost impossible to know where one starts and the other stops. Ophir is the ultimate example of a design which truly embodies place; the land is the structure, the architecture is the interior. The warmth and simple materiality of this rammed-earth house beautifully illustrates the way in which stripping back to the basics and avoiding overwork can provide the atmosphere required of a home, while allowing you to feel fully immersed in the land.”

PROJECT DETAILS:

Location: Maniototo, Otago

Client: Private client

Building area (m²): 120m²

Project brief: The architects worked closely with the clients to form a “raw house for a raw landscape.” They are a middle-aged couple with a dog who relocated to the area from Wellington. The clients have a background in the graphics and branding disciplines. Their brief was to form a house that was strong but simple in form; that merged with the landscape and had a sustainable story. They were keen to undergo an earth building that was contemporary and avoids the hippy, wobbly vibes of other earth buildings.

Credits:

• Project principal – Charlie Nott
• Project architect – Kelly Read

“Together inspired by the arid and desert-like conditions, we looked to other similar landscapes around the world – making comparisons to the deserts of the Mojave. We looked to Arizonan architect Rick Joy, who was a catalyst for much of the design. Joy is known for his sophisticated desert architecture and often works in rammed earth. The couple resided on the site in an Airstream caravan, which is kept as guest accommodation, and we built a small studio space with the rammed earth main house, which the couple were to live in predominantly to be the centre piece. This includes a living area with kitchen connected via an outdoor room/breezeway to the main bedroom and bathroom.” – Charlie Nott, project principal.

Watch the finalist presentation here: 

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