The Shepherds Hut by Fearon Hay

Located on a rare and untamed site surrounded by the lakes and dramatic mountains of Wanaka, this Fearon Hay-designed home was created with the utmost respect for its natural setting.

Having scaled the loftiest peaks of the global business world, entrepreneur Matt Chapman was in search of a second life, one characterised by simplicity and natural connection. For one looking to be immersed in the primal purity of nature, sites don’t come much more rugged than the 24-hectare block Chapman purchased in 2018. Aptly nicknamed ‘Edge of the World’, the property is located on a barely domesticated peninsula jutting into Lake Wanaka, an area that – despite its relatively easy proximity to Wanaka’s township and the ski fields of Treble Cone – feels utterly wild and unspoiled. “The peninsula is a serene environment,” says Chapman. “Desolate, beautiful and with a fascinating biodiversity.”

“The peninsula is a serene environment,” says Chapman. “Desolate, beautiful and with a fascinating biodiversity.”

Starting out with a caravan on the site – “we only had solar power, and it was wild but fun; I grounded into the land” – Chapman had a vision of the home he wanted, equal parts retreat and casual entertaining space, which was actualised by architecture studio Fearon Hay. The importance of flexibility in the space – able to be a fortress of solitude, while at other times accommodating two couples or families and balancing separation and togetherness – was key for architect Tim Hay. “The house was considered for a number of different occupation scenarios,” says Hay. “It was designed as a pair of suites, so it could take up to two families, integrated into the rear spine of the house.”

The incomparable landscape was always front of mind, with the design needing to humbly yield the spotlight to nature. “The landscape is very powerful – when we were considering a response to that, we wanted a quiet, submissive building that integrated into the landscape,” says Hay. “We wanted it so that it purposely pulled back into the land, so it would never compete with the drama of the outlook.” The home hunkers down into the landscape, with its flat roof and deep eaves like a hand shading the eyes of a far-seeing shepherd monitoring his land and flock. Seen from the air, only the exact angles mark this as a man-made structure and not a natural formation of the craggy landscape; the surrounding planting scheme is designed to grow around the structure, eventually blunting its edges and drawing the build into the landscape.

The incomparable landscape was always front of mind, with the design needing to humbly yield the spotlight to nature.

This idea of nestling within – rather than sitting proudly atop – the landscape was reinforced by the choice of materials, which were selected to minimise contrast between land and built form, while also becoming incorporated into the natural setting over time. “We wanted to make sure the building had respect for the environment,” says Hay. “The building will become more integrated into the landscape in the years to come, potentially even invisible.” To this point, he says, “the outside is a combination of weathered timber, metal roofing, wall cladding and screens that will develop into a similar hue with age, picking up a hue that is in the environment already. The materiality will give a sense of camouflage.” Western red cedar cladding is allowed to eventually age into the same dusty grey as Wanaka schist, while zinc screens match the zinc roofing, giving the entire structure a subtle monochrome hue and a sense of stability, as immovable as the rocky landscape.

This sense of permanence and protection is a source of comfort against the harshest moods of this unforgiving landscape. “We wanted to create a sense of shelter and retreat into the environment, which can change from a beautiful day to a cold snowy night really quickly,” says Hay. Kiwis like to ruefully joke of experiencing four seasons in one day, and The Shepherds Hut required adaptability to transition instantly between the openness of a summer retreat and a protective shield against wild weather. Chapman muses on the latter meteorological mood, explaining how the home earned its name. “We named the house ‘a modern-day Shepherd’s Hut’ on our brief. I would be the shepherd. On winter nights with the fires going, my dogs at my feet and the winds whistling, it very much evokes this.”

This idea of nestling within – rather than sitting proudly atop – the landscape was reinforced by the choice of materials, which were selected to minimise contrast between land and built form, while also becoming incorporated into the natural setting over time.

Materiality is key to creating this necessary cosy feel of the interior, with timber lining walls and ceilings in every room. It is the same western red cedar as used on the exterior, but the interior cladding retains the timber’s pink-brown colour, creating a feeling of cocooning comfort. “Its richer, warmer hue is a counterpoint to the exterior,” says Hay. The use of the same material across indoors and out simultaneously creates a sense of connection, while the difference in tones intensifies the feeling of coming in out of the cold into the home’s warm embrace.

The choice of enveloping timber delivers all the character needed, with the rest of the interiors kept streamlined to ensure the focus remains on the staggering lake and mountain views. “The grounded land, with the incredible water views in front, coupled with the vegetation, made the home feel like a large tent or glass box,” says Chapman. “It was simple and beautiful. The ultimate luxury is form and function, with high craftsmanship.” This exquisite balance is delivered in gestures such as the timber-clad pocket doors that work to seamlessly connect and divide spaces; minimalist track lighting that drops pools of warm light without interrupting the line of sight; and furnishings that are kept low and centred, like rocks in a riverbed, around which life can flow.

“The grounded land, with the incredible water views in front, coupled with the vegetation, made the home feel like a large tent or glass box,” says Chapman.

This quiet and respectful residence embodies a little oasis in a rare and beautiful location. “The opportunity to build on this site is a privilege for us,” says Hay. “We were very considered in all of our design approaches because of that privilege.”

Architecture by Fearon Hay. Interior design by Paul Kennedy and Fearon Hay. Build by CDL Building. Landscape design by Strdesign and Paul Kennedy. Structural engineering by Sullivan Hall. Civil engineering by Hadley Consultants. Joinery by Leading Edge Joinery Specialists. Stone by Designsource.