Island Spur View by Ben Hudson Architects and Forté

Full-height windows invite the stunning views into the home, but the palette of materials works just as effectively to create a dialogue between the structure and the surrounding landscape. Within the interior, locally sourced schist stone, dark-stained joinery and Italian stone capture the moody majesty of the surrounding peaks, the whole palette tied together and given welcome warmth with the soft, slightly greyed tones of Como European oak floorboards from Forté.

“The client’s passion for entertaining was an integral part of our brief,” says Hudson. “The design evolved into a series of open-plan spaces for social connection, and the timber floors helped tie these together as a cohesive whole.” For every social occasion though, there’s blessedly quiet moments, and the home needed to feel cocooning and comforting when not filled with a crowd – a design goal that the flooring also helped achieve. “The design celebrates cooking, entertaining and sharing but it was equally important that we provided more intimate spaces. The natural elegance of timber provides warmth, creating welcoming spaces for these moments of retreat.”

If you had to sum up the brief given to architect Ben Hudson of Ben Hudson Architects for this Queenstown residence in one word, that word might be ‘connection’.

“The design evolved into a series of open-plan spaces for social connection, and the timber floors helped tie these together as a cohesive whole.”

When materials are such an integral part of the design, one doesn’t want to be limited to off-the-rack options; Hudson says that Forté became a design collaborator, able to offer bespoke options to deliver the client’s vision. “When we talk to Forté about our designs, it feels very much a collaborative effort, like we’re working with designers, not solely a supplier,” says Hudson, who adds that he’s also inspired by Forté’s genuine commitment to sustainability. “From a practical perspective, Forté has an extensive range of samples, including large-format panels, which we can borrow for our material boards. They offer a complete system, from design advice to the installation and technical requirements.

“Forté takes the time to listen to us and our clients. We find they’re happy to work with us in sourcing custom lengths, widths or a specific appearance. They provide bespoke solutions that are tailored to our designs, including a wide range of accessories, such as stair nosings and brass trims that complete a look effortlessly.”

“When we talk to Forté about our designs, it feels very much a collaborative effort, like we’re working with designers, not solely a supplier,” says Hudson, who adds that he’s also inspired by Forté’s genuine commitment to sustainability.

The matte brushed texture, wide planks and muted pastel glow of the Como oak floors work to pull warm tones from the schist and provide a moderating contrast with the dark drama of the almost-black joinery – it’s hard to imagine a more suitable flooring choice for this impeccably considered design. “Island Spur View showcases the natural beauty of timber and speaks of a warmth and richness that helps tell the owners’ story through the design,” says Hudson.

Architecture by Ben Hudson Architects. Interior design by Ben Hudson Architects and Danielle Bates Interior Design. Joinery by Allen and Chapman.