Olive Grove House by Team Green Architects

Interior Architecture and Design

This small single level energy efficient house is located near the end of the Kawarau Gorge, in Central Otago, in wine country.

Organized in a linear fashion the three bedrooms are accessed from the rear of the open kitchen and living area. Each bedroom has private views of the quiet countryside.

The house is built primarily from timber framing. The use of steel is limited because of cost and the desire to reduce thermal bridging through the structure. The house is well insulated for thermal protection.

Designed along the north / south axis the west and east facades receive plenty of sun for solar gain while the north elevation is protected by courtyard shading. The house is clad in profiled metal skin for easy maintenance.

Situated on the highest point of the site this modest house is protected from the wind by the surrounding olive grove while being just high enough to view the surrounding vineyards and dramatic landscape.

photos © Sam Hartnett