Eastbourne House by Stevens Lawson Architects

Designed by Stevens Lawson Architects, Eastbourne House continues Wellington’s tradition of innovative architecture, embodying a unique response to a challenging site.

Located on the eastern side of Wellington Harbour, Eastbourne House reinforces the unusual character of local buildings which, responding to extreme weather and difficult terrain, have earnt the reputation of architecture ‘on the edge.’ “The home needed to be built from the top down for site access, unlike most buildings, which are built from the bottom up,” says Stevens Lawson Architects’ Nicholas Stevens, co-design lead on the project. “As you can imagine, logistically this makes for a far more complex and time-consuming build.” With a substantial foundation, rigid structure and multitude of curved edges, the house evokes the image of a large black rock that has been shaped by the weather.

“We wanted to create a real experience of moving through the house, almost a choreography of space.”

From the road, residents ascend a driveway to reach an undercroft. “At that point you’re confronted with an extraordinary artwork by artist John Reynolds, which is a tribute to Wellington’s wild weather and its condition of living on the edge,” says Stevens. Inside, a helical staircase winds from the foyer to the top of the home, passing the sleeping quarters en route.  An extraordinary display of black steelwork, the staircase is complemented by an elegant timber floor overlay. “We wanted to create a real experience of moving through the house, almost a choreography of space.”

At the top of the stairs is a double-height volume containing the main living area. The space is calm, uplifting and akin to an observation post, offering sweeping views of the horizon. Sliding doors can be opened to blur the boundary between the living room and terrace. “The terrace is an interesting space in its own right,” notes Stevens. “It’s not one of those terraces which sort of hangs out in space and is exposed on all sides – it’s a little bit more cave-like.” Sheltered areas for cooking and dining encourage residents to enjoy the city’s microclimate and spend time contemplating nature.

“We’re really impressed by the way the millboard decking matches the oak flooring inside. It’s warm, it’s textured, it’s prefinished…we think it really adds to the atmosphere.”

In addition to frequent encounters with harsh wind, Eastbourne House has the capacity to withstand strong vibrations, which come courtesy of its position on a fault line. Its enduring exterior comprises black glazed terracotta tiles and black aluminium; visually, the materials recede into the darkness of the native bush. “The interior is in contrast to this ­– it’s light and airy,” says Stevens. Forté engineered oak flooring brings a sense of lightness to the living area, staircase and hallways. On the terrace, Forté millboard decking is used as a sustainable alternative to hardwood. “We’re really impressed by the way the millboard decking matches the oak flooring inside. It’s warm, it’s textured, it’s prefinished…we think it really adds to the atmosphere of this house.”

A stunning reimagination of a family home, Eastbourne Residence both protects from and embraces its lively natural context. Championing the unconventional, Stevens Lawson Architects establishes a fresh iteration of architecture ‘on the edge’.

Architecture and interior design by Stevens Lawson Architects. Build by Planit Construction. Engineering by Sullivan Hall. Joinery by APL. Artwork by John Reynolds.