A Protected Haven – Bendemeer House by Ponting Fitzgerald Architects and Seagar Design

As an architectural response to both the harsh elements that impact the site, located just outside of Queenstown, and the extraordinary views of the surrounding landscape, Bendemeer House by Ponting Fitzgerald Architects and Seagar Design is a protected haven that exemplifies the luxury of true simplicity.

“We had to make sure the building was tucked into the site so we could use the building as a wind shelter in its own right,” says David Ponting, director of Pointing Fitzgerald Architects. Designed as a U-shaped structure set around a courtyard at its centre, Bendemeer House is made up of one L-shaped wing, “very simple, rural [and] stripped back” says David, and a main living pavilion, which is where you get that major engagement to morning sun [and] afternoon sun.”

The clients have a large family and love to entertain, so the kitchen is the key zone. Twin islands are a response to these requirements, while the appliances, including a large capacity built-in oven and Column Refrigerators by Fisher & Paykel were selected for the combination of performance and finely-honed design that they offered. “Crucial to the execution of the design of the back wall was to have it all lineal, full height,” says Adrienne. “I think the piece-de-resistance was to have the Column fridges, which were newly only the market, and they just fitted into the back wall so seamlessly.”

The integration of the Column Refrigerators was a particular benefit, reflects David. “It’s nice to work with integrated elements […] As a practice we’re always looking to create simple quiet spaces, nothing overt in expression, and products that can let us do that are fantastic. We know the Fisher & Paykel range does.” Daniel Varcoe, Fisher & Paykel’s design development manager, says that the level of detail in the project “and then to see how our appliances played a part in that, working so well with the design” is especially rewarding.

Offering the owners and guests a restful retreat, Bendemeer House exemplifies the luxury of simplicity and considered details in a place of such a raw, rugged natural beauty.