House Under Eaves by MRTN Architects
Located in Point Wells, New Zealand, House Under Eaves is a contemporary wooden residence designed in 2016 by MRTN Architects.
![A modern, single-story house with a flat roof and clean, minimalist design.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/001-house-eaves-mrtn-architects-460x307.jpg)
![Spacious modern interior with wooden beams, a dining area, and a cozy living room.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/009-house-eaves-mrtn-architects-460x307.jpg)
![Spacious dining area with large window overlooking lush backyard and wooden beams.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/010-house-eaves-mrtn-architects-460x307.jpg)
![Modern kitchen with wooden frames, brick accent wall, and minimalist decor.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/011-house-eaves-mrtn-architects-460x690.jpg)
![A modern kitchen with a large window overlooking a lush, tropical garden and a cozy window seat.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/008-house-eaves-mrtn-architects-460x307.jpg)
![Minimalist modern hallway with floor-to-ceiling glass panels, wooden flooring, and clean lines.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/007-house-eaves-mrtn-architects-460x307.jpg)
![Minimalist bedroom with large window, wooden accents, and nature-inspired bedding.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/013-house-eaves-mrtn-architects-460x307.jpg)
![Sleek and modern bathroom with minimal, clean-lined design and contrasting materials.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/014-house-eaves-mrtn-architects-460x690.jpg)
![Striking modern architecture with contrasting materials and landscaping details.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/002-house-eaves-mrtn-architects-460x631.jpg)
![Contemporary wooden facade with recessed entryways, gravel path, and raised garden beds.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/003-house-eaves-mrtn-architects-460x690.jpg)
![Modern single-story home with sleek gray exterior, large windows, and brick steps.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/004-house-eaves-mrtn-architects-460x307.jpg)
![Modern angular wooden home with minimalist landscaping and exterior lighting.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/005-house-eaves-mrtn-architects-460x307.jpg)
About House Under Eaves
This new house, less than an hour from Auckland, sits on a flat site in a semi-suburban area. The site, once pastoral land, is now divided into well-sized sections.
Design Strategy for Privacy and Retreat
We faced a flat, vacant lot with no neighbors. Our design aimed to anticipate the future context and create a retreat from the street. We respected the client’s privacy, providing a layered separation from front to back.
Using Shadow as a Design Element
We proposed using shadow as a design element. An oversized dark roof rests on thick cedar-clad walls, protecting from elements like heavy rain. The black eaves frame landscape views and enhance the greenery.
Modernist Influence and Functional Layout
From the street, the house appears as a simple gable form, inspired by early New Zealand modernist architects. The roof, held by cedar-clad walls, screens the front door with a concrete wall. Inside, the split gable form divides the garage, entry, and guest rooms from the living spaces and master bedroom. A glazed link connects the two wings at the roof’s highest point. This link provides a secondary garden entry and a sheltered outdoor dining space.
Open Living Spaces and Art Display
Living areas flank a wide cedar-lined wall, separating the kitchen from the living and dining spaces. These spaces are on a lower level than the kitchen, enhancing separation through level change and material. The living room features a high raked ceiling with exposed rafters, creating a sense of an outdoor room. This feeling is enhanced by a glazed opening leading to an al fresco sitting area.
The house, called House Under Eave, appears compact from the street. However, the scale expands inside, spilling into a lush garden. Here, the owner can retreat, connected to the garden but sheltered by the eave.
Photography by Anthony Basheer
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- by Matt Watts