Celebrating The Alpine Landscape – Ruby Ridge House by Condon Scott Architects
Ruby Ridge House by Condon Scott Architects makes use of a challenging wedge-shaped site near two suburban streets to create a place from which to indulge in the spectacular mountain and lake views that the alpine town of Lake Wanaka, New Zealand’s South Island, is renowned for.
Located on a raised site overlooking Lake Wanaka, Ruby Ridge has a mono-pitched roof and curve-edged cedar-clad walls that direct attention towards the panoramic views of the alpine beyond. “It was a challenging site to work with, but we knew the view would be paramount to the design,” says Barry Condon of Condon Scott Architects. “From the moment of entry into the foyer at the rear of the house, the space compresses and you are drawn through into the living room, with your eye focused on the mountains and lake beyond.”
As an award-winning Wanaka-based practice, Condon Scott Architects understands how to connect the natural and built environment together. The living spaces within Ruby Ridge House is designed around courtyards that provide shelter and continuous ventilation, seamlessly blending the exterior and interior. Fitted with a concrete outdoor fireplace for cooler nights, French oak floorboards and Kwila decking, the courtyards can be enjoyed year-round. “We also wanted to create some outdoor shelter as the site can experience strong seasonal on shore winds,” Barry explains. “To counter this, we have designed a series of internal courtyards so the occupants can retreat back into these spaces on windy days, effectively using the house as a windbreak whilst still maintaining a visual connection to the view.”
Designed to draw the surroundings in with various versatile indoor and outdoor spaces, Ruby Ridge House is acontemporary holiday home that truly celebrates its location.
