Architect Designs a Hidden Home in the Mountains of New Zealand (House Tour)

In crafting Lower Shotover House, the architect designs a hidden home that offers a dramatic interior landscape to complement the impressive external context, ensuring it was built for residing in place. Crafted by Bureaux, the home embraces a natural materiality as the means to connecting to the outdoors.
Based in Queenstown, Lower Shotover House faces north, overlooking the Shotover River and Coronet Peak. The architect designs a hidden home that takes inspiration from the old musterer’s huts settled on the mountainside. Capitalising on the protective quality of the hill, the structures look out upon the landscape with a feeling of safety. Importantly, the architect designs a hidden home that utilises a stone composition and a house tour reveals the resulting echo of the rugged surrounds, as well as the proposition of permanence.
In materiality, Lower Shotover House reflects a playful interpretation of the natural context. The architect designs a hidden home that sees stone, black travertine and charcoal timber interior linings combine to establish a cosy interior design. Crafted in recognition of the clients’ lifestyle, Bureaux enforces a robust material palette that can withstand the markings of an active family in a timeless fashion.
A dramatic home, Lower Shotover House features rich timber walls, carefully framed windows and pools of soft lighting. The architect designs a hidden home in which residents are led through the interior with ease; a project where nothing is over-lit and the architecture captures both the compression and expansion of space. Residents must ascend a step in order to enter the kitchen, suggesting an element of theatricality within the experience of the home.
As the architect designs a hidden home, they consider the relevance of orientation to the outcome. Lower Shotover House faces north and, as such, measures are put into place to retain heat and maximise the impact of the sweeping views. While stone walls and a green roof influence the thermal quality of the building, doors measuring three metres high can be pushed back in order to control the thermal climate of the interior. The green roof also engages the surrounding hillside mass, blurring the boundary between landscape and home.
Immersing occupants in the mountainside experience, Lower Shotover House forms the ideal place of retreat. Through a process of consideration, the architect designs a hidden home that, though contemporary, is ultimately defined by a prevailing sense of timelessness.
00:00 - Introduction to the Hidden Home
00:26 - Bunkering Into the Side of the Hill
01:00 - The Materials Used
01:40 - The Importance of Creating A Robust Home
02:10 - The Soft Pools of Light Throughout the Home
02:30 - Creating a Warm and Dramatic Feel
02:58 - The Building Aspect
03:29 - The Views from the Upstairs Bunk Room
03:51 - The Green Roof
04:17 - A Dramatic Kitchen
04:29 - Finding Joy in the Movement Between the Tight Spaces
04:51 - Creating A Timeless Masterpiece
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Photography by Sam Hartnett.
Architecture and Interior Design by Bureaux.
Build by Nicoll Thomson Builders.
Landscape Architecture by SITE Landscape Architects.
Joinery by Leading Edge Joinery.
Filmed and Edited by Cadre.
Production by The Local Project.
The Local Project acknowledges Māori as tangata whenua and Treaty of Waitangi partners in Aotearoa New Zealand. We recognise the importance of Indigenous peoples in the identity of our respective countries and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Indigenous people of these lands.
#Architecture #NewZealand #InteriorDesign #Queenstown #HouseTour #Home #Outdoors #Materiality #Stone #Furniture #Decor #TheLocalProject #Architect #HomeTour

[@TheLocalProject]

We hope you enjoyed the bunkered and hidden remote home in the mountains of New Zealand by Bureaux. Lower Shotover was also recently featured in Issue No. 10 of our Print Publication. For more of the latest and greatest in architecture, interior design and house tours, make sure to subscribe to our tri-annual hardcopy print publication - thelocalproject.com.au/subscribe

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I like your videos, I wish they included floor plan overviews in the beginning because it's kind of disorienting to try and figure out how each shot relates to the last cut

[@ireneroland3070]

Wow . Love this

[@lysan1445]

Sanctuary is the right word for it - finally, a modern house that doesn't feel sterile and cool but cosy and sheltered without being cluttered. Love it!

[@LYAR0]

It kind of reminds me of John Pawson, but with the "rustic barn" aesthetic.

[@kangabamalex1271]

It still looks cold and sterile though

[@littlenest]

The house, the setting with those views, the stone exterior coupled with that interior design and colour palette, its all perfection!

[@Transit_my-way]

Right?! You hit the nail on its head.

[@Night-op7zf]

Just glad to finally see a house in nz with proper insulation.

[@inessteiner5237]

Love the simplicity! No extravagances, just a house that fits the scenery

[@jenniferconsiglio7143]

This house exudes warmth and comfort. I could feel a sense of peace and serenity flowing throughout. The exterior displays so much charm and character. Lovely home, lovely choice of building materials, hardware, and decor. Truly one of my favorites.

[@mrvk39]

This is channel is really awesome! Look at the variety of architecture they show - modern luxury homes, modern extensions to heritage homes, tiny bungalows and treehouses, or a modern take on a farmhouse like this one. Gorgeous house! I love how it's contemporary but not trendy. No raw concrete here but timber and stone looks phenomenal and compliment the landscape so well!

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[@stanairmi]

I could listen to Jessica for hours!

[@gwanny1885]

this house is probably the closest design to my dream house, the stone walls are gorgeous.

[@macca923]

This has to be one of my favourites, every room was really beautiful, and all that sunlight streaming in, must be lovley to live in.

[@kayelyward8714]

Such a visually striking home. I love the brick facade because it just provides a sense of comfort. Truly a beautiful home. Love it!

[@emidala1]

Absolutely beautiful - I would not change a thing. ❤

[@alexmuli]

Certainly one of the most beautiful houses i have seen! It has so much character and warmth.

[@iluvharper]

This house feels like a warm embrace! So peaceful and welcoming. Beautiful home.

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[@michaelnicola5210]

Inspired, truly. The warmth of the materials and the embrace of the very light it captures throughout without the thundering white you see so much of. This house plays like a cello, deeply resonant and embracing.

[@mduduzibonganicowanmanana5404]

I Love it, from concept to endless vistas and deceptive double level layout...it all works!

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Absolutely georgious! Everything she said about the home, I felt it 😊

[@Chronicles_of_life99]

I'm so indulged with your projects and videos

[@jaycavanagh]

Amazing home, but equally fascinated by the amount of expressions one home can have. The art is not only in the stunning architecture, but also in the platather of words used to describe one abode.

[@Dev1nci]

It feels warm. I like the interplay between light and dark- not many architects use that tool because it’s risky.

[@chaudharyfahadali4838]

Everything about this house design is PERFECTION

[@jondutton39]

Very rarely to I come across a demo that doesn’t have any flaws. This design does it for me! Beautifully done to construct a home that can withstand the test of time.

[@matttatts]

Love the way it shows complete refinement with out being ostentatious or to artsy where as that can sometimes ruin the “home” feeling.

[@tehjawsome]

Unreal. Absolutely stunning house, maybe my favorite that you've feaured.

[@cidklutch]

Beautiful. Regionalism is the key to subltle and timeless architecture. Well Done

[@deecunningham9719]

absolutely love this design. i also share the preference for the darker (cozier) finishes. beautiful home!

[@nicotinedeals]

Beautiful house and amazing views! Imagine sitting/lying in the window seat reading a book

[@nikkilogan7726]

I just love how the materials compliment with each other, added with the majestic view. I love it! Thanks Local Project 😎💖

[@mynestintheforest]

wow. The definition of perfection, is this home.

[@chamselbach9786]

Beautiful, hardy and cozy. Looks perfect, great job!

[@Possibilistt]

I see the peace of a simple house with the energy of human consciousness and space.

[@ViktorVaughan]

This is the best house I have seen on this channel.

[@EmmeChatterton]

Beautiful and modern but with a cozy, timeless vibe. Feels very warm and safe, great space!

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[@Adrian-uc4ox]

Great job, they created an amazing home.

[@davidalanmedia]

Beautiful contemporary rich tones throughout the home! So gorgeous.

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[@TP-3000]

What an incredible house - well done

[@marialzbth]

I'm in loooove with this design and its focus on the elements within nature. I am so drawn now to move to NZ and have this home as mine. Quality and Genius in this abode, congratulations for inspiring me to aspire to live in something like you have created. 😍💪🙏💥💫

[@Transit_my-way]

This house right here.... is so calming. The views.... this is what a sanctuary is and what a home should be. Perfection

[@sallycaroline4114]

Stunning project, really enjoyed this tour

[@mastermoko76]

Feels like home, feels like a mother's embrace ...

[@thankgoditsfrida]

This has to be one of my favourites. 💛

[@relemogeng62]

This house is so beautiful It might be the most coziest , minimalist and beautiful house I’ve ever seen The building was designed for perfection Plus the bunk room upstairs and the kitchen 😭the house is really timeless

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[@robcordts1976]

FAVORITE BY FAR!

[@Fit4evermore]

Absolute perfection.

[@W4LT3Rego]

The stone walls remind me of the 13th century buildings that are left here in Belgium, it feels very cosy

[@DavidSmith-sy2bp]

Lovely building and home y feeling

[@saudr8211]

I’m so hyped to visit New Zealand next year 😍 🤞🏼

[@wavewithvayu]

New Zealand is a dream!

[@drakedrones]

Gorgeous modern ranch almost stone barn home!!! Clean, open and airy! Natural colors and textures. Absolutely my kind of taste. I probably would not have so much timber and wood; that’s just me. But overall gorgeous home and surroundings.

[@Linda-ot3pj]

Absolutely stunning in every way Great taste and attention to detail. Greetings from Canada 🇨🇦

[@philipribchester1994]

Incredible.

[@john3Lee]

Beautiful home !!

[@tanyam3090]

Just wonderful. Well done. Love it!

[@mellyemerson479]

STUNNING

[@edmund6392]

This is beyond beautiful! Well done!

[@DForDelecTable]

What a beautiful space to call home! 😍

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[@JoaoMBA5]

it's a really amazing house! I would love to know more about the materials, the finishes and the details, they make all the difference

[@wintertimetrio]

Stunning

[@ainurabazekenova7336]

Beautiful solid house!

[@Melih_R_Calikoglu]

Beatiful. I am mesmerized

[@deaconddd]

This would absolutely be my dream home.

[@AA-xd9fg]

Sublime!

[@clarkbarrow6750]

It’s beautiful!

[@willbass2869]

LOVE it! So many times the projects on this channel are just so much brutal raw concrete and rough steel that I usually pan them in comments. But this is so well done. Wish you had shown the connection between the garage and living space. Only fault I see is the wooden ceilings. A bit much....gilding the lily and all, as the saying goes. Yep, I'm definitely stealing this one for my "wished for future home".

[@MichellePavel]

Such a gorgeous interior

[@rrbt911]

wow that’s stunning

[@lornamarie5544]

I’m getting a bit of Texan cabin (sans moose heads) meets alpine ski lodge vibes but those views are fantastic.

[@darien33]

Me encanta la calidez de esta casa. Es hermosa, elegante sin ser pretenciosa y los materiales.

[@dwttexjw4796]

Bravo! Well done.

[@rawframeshandcrafted]

Speechless.... 👏

[@AAAAAAndreyAndreev]

this is one of the best

[@barbaramassey3787]

Perfection.

[@ireneroland3070]

Wow, breathtaking house , love this , it’s perfect .

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[@classicjonesy]

What a good looking house

[@chronic_daydreamer]

Dreamy.

[@ninasotnikova2995]

Я бы здесь поселилась )) Шедевр! 🙏✨

[@juantamad463]

Beautiful fucking architecture omg and the quality of the cinematics is just umph

[@MrDac0wgirl]

Such a perfect dream house. I love it

[@TheLocalProject]

Us too!

[@TheresevonHackwitz]

Amazing

[@jamesseby7953]

This is literally my dream house! Although it is painful to know that my ex and I once shared the same dream together, I would still confidently say that if I could, I would move here in a heartbeat!

[@andreelliott467]

Yes to the stone work

[@juanpablorogoff7175]

beautyfull design

[@TechTokeMaster]

Talk about a moody home! I would love to build something like this in the woods.

[@Vision06]

Perfect composition. Still had to stop watching at 50%. Got too sad knowing I’ll never be able to afford this :)

[@sergiosaunier]

Don't be. Have hope, maybe one day in the future!

[@ihsancetinturk6866]

İ love it.

[@tomasraniak4584]

This is simply aw and than some

[@marekkarasz3776]

its like having modern house in Rohan

[@dzhegor]

Превосходно 👏

[@SubtleAcoustics]

The exterior materials are really successful in this one. I question the height of the headers above the windows in the gabled forms though - it gives the elevations a bit too much forehead in my opinion. Would be interested to hear from the architects on ways to address that. Otherwise a captivating interior; the comment regarding a cave like interior is precise. Thanks Local!

[@TheCaioFreitas]

This place is a dream

[@zxzesther]

peaceful

[@Fk_p]

خیلی زیباست

[@thomasvarghese7892]

My dream home 🏡🌹

[@guillaumeml3026]

WOW

[@sebastientumahai9560]

We need more stone houses

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Все молодцы, сорадования вам всем 🌞

[@joshtudio87]

Toooooo crazily beautiful that looks like rendered image lol

[@tanjagrafin6399]

😍

[@kwhatten]

Very pretty, love the Esse. Wonder why they chose not to employ rammed earth for interior walls?

[@suzannebrown945]

❤

[@francisssali2550]

The way she describes it is just accurate. She makes you want to buy it twice