Nothing about this new house is fresh and shiny, and that's just the way it should be – because this is a house that's literally of the earth. The basalt stone was quarried from Mt Horrible and timber milled from ancient river logs.

Strong references to New Zealand's dramatic geological history are a big part of the project and the clients were keen to find an integrated entertainment solution that would sound awesome but not detract from the earthy, modern minimalist aesthetics of their home. Smartlife was chosen for their integrated entertainment system, including audio from the TVs and music system which comes through the discrete in-ceiling speakers in the lounge, kitchen/ dining, bedroom and outdoor areas. The entertainment system integrates the TV in the living room, the 24” touch screen in the kitchen and the master bedroom TV to share MySky, Apple TV and other media.

The Volcano House designed by Rowe Baetens Architecture has won an NZIA Auckland Architecture Housing Award. Based on a courtyard design, the house presents a series of linked spaces and sub-courtyards, all sheltered beneath floating pavilion roofs.

Landscape Designer: Alexander Luiten, Landscape & Ecology Design & Research

May 2018