This sculptural hillside home is perched above Sumner, Christchurch, and was designed to celebrate its commanding views of the Pacific Ocean, Southern Alps, and Canterbury Plains. Built on a steep site with a light touch, the house rises on piles rather than being cut into the land—an approach that ensured minimal earthworks and maximised budget efficiency.
A bold spiral staircase anchors the home, acting as a sculptural centrepiece and creating a moment of drama at the heart of the interior. Above, a mezzanine level enables open-plan living and natural airflow, passively cooling the home in the summer months.
The home’s signature fins serve a dual purpose: structurally supporting the roof while introducing rhythm and movement to the exterior form. These fins are also carried indoors, creating a seamless architectural language between inside and out. Clad in a crisp, low-maintenance finish, the house is a striking silhouette against the ever-changing coastal skies.
From automated comfort systems to expansive glazing that frames every sunset, this modern retreat brings together clever design and effortless living—offering the owner privacy, peace, and one of the best views in Aotearoa.
