Weber Architecture’s Classic Alpine Home
Structure Led Architecture is a theme to be found in all designs from Arrowtown-based Warrick Weber Architecture. This Otago home demonstrates the concept in all its forms.
Reflecting the peaks of its rugged, mountainous environment, the home in Bendemeer, near Lake Hayes, embodies classic, alpine region design.
The brief from the client was for the provision of significant indoor/outdoor flow to separate courtyards with different sun, views and shelter aspects.
The home was to have two separate living areas to accommodate a growing teenage family, but more intimate spaces as well – a study, wine cellar, underground cave, covered outside daybeds and mezzanine hangouts also being essential to the brief. A gym, sauna and fires – both internal and external – were also in the mix.
The undulating site influenced how Warrick Weber approached this design. The home features a series of gabled forms taking in different aspects of the alpine setting. They are arranged across the site with different views but also allowing for privacy and shelter. A central outdoor living zone within the two buildings provides space to enjoy the changing seasons.
“The undulating site lent itself to a split-level design with upper living areas and decks providing spectacular views”, says Warrick.
“To harness the winter sun all living areas and most bedrooms have a due north aspect and are connected by a long southern hallway incorporating a grand staircase between the two levels.
“Internal construction materials include oak wall panelling, cedar ceilings, exposed gun metal structure and ground polished concrete floors. All the exposed rafters, portals, beams and columns are true structures.
“A COLORSTEEL Endura® Slate alpine tray roof with swage was chosen for the project based on its suitability for the harsh environment. The alpine tray provides strong form and fits the New Zealand vernacular for alpine-style houses”, he adds.
“The COLORSTEEL Endura® tray profile was integrated into a warm roof system with a solid make up. The roof system has resulted in slim and elegant soffits, superior thermal performance and the ability to expose true structure throughout the house.”
Thermal performance of the home was a key driver in many of the design elements for this home. These included double-slab and a fully thermally broken foundation/slab system, a warm roof system, exposed internal thermal mass and north oriented living and bedroom spaces.
The roof was installed by Cal Freeman who was runner-up in last year’s Young Roofer of the Year category at the COLORSTEEL® awards. Judge Rod Newbold, Product Launch Manager for New Zealand Steel says Cal’s work involved many tricky intersection and design details as well as the need to integrate COLORSTEEL® with several features constructed from weathering steel. Of particular note is the attention to detail at the roof penetrations, particularly those welted into the pan of the standing seam profile.