Measured Immersion – Sisters Sanctuary by Edwards White Architects

Integrated amid the existing natural ecological elements, Sisters Sanctuary an openly connected home that sits seamlessly atop the landscape. Edwards White Architects collaborated closely with the owners to help fulfil their vision for the site – a vision where living immersed within nature benefits both the environment and the occupants.

Originally purchased by three sisters, the home sits within Rangitahi in Raglan, on the North Island of New Zealand. Reflecting both the established natural bushland and the nearby coast, the house sits low and contained. Working with the youngest of the siblings, who took on the role of designer and client, Edwards White Architects helped fulfil a long-held aspiration to create an architectural response that aligned with their larger values for how they wanted to live on the site. The resulting form captures the personalities and ambitions of the owners through a considered and natural engagement, whilst the restriction of the dwelling’s size ensures the location is the highlight of the site.

The resulting form captures the personalities and ambitions of the owners through a considered and natural engagement, whilst the restriction of the dwelling’s size ensures the location is the highlight of the site.

An engagement with both the streetscape and views to the distance completes the narrative of the home. Guided by the design ethos of the Rangitahi subdivision – which seeks to weave architectural forms harmoniously into the existing natural tapestry – the result is a seamless integration amid the existing coastal design language of the area and New Zealand as a whole. Whilst navigating the undulations and limitations of the site, the residence skilfully and creatively brings a sense of order to a sequence of spaces that each optimise the outlook in their own way. A deep warmth is felt throughout, with rich textures and tones grounding the home in place and reflecting the naturally occurring colour palette.

With spaces that can be completely closed or opened, the composition of the form allows for an alignment with the seasons and changing climate. With the west elevation to the street kept relatively closed, the east then opens generously to the tidal inlet, with timber screening adding a veil of both privacy and protection from onlookers but allowing natural ventilation to cool and pass through the form. A restrained internal palette uses subtle contrasts between warm greys, timber and crisp neutrals to capture a peacefulness that allows the surrounds to remain the feature.

An engagement with both the streetscape and views to the distance completes the narrative of the home.

The result of a collaboration between the impassioned client and building team, Sisters Sanctuary comes together from a shared passion for the site. Edwards White Architects ensures resilient elements are combined with a respectful approach to the landscape, expressing the delicacies of community and connection.