Crestview

Crestview presents as a crisp, sculptural form against the green hillside. Designed by The Architecture People and brought to life by Wildwoods Construction, the home is a considered response to place, shaped as much by the contours beneath it as the clients’ specific vision.

The Whatawhata home occupies a narrow buildable corridor where geotechnical requirements and site access left little room for compromise. Stepping carefully down the hillside, a sequence of interconnected levels transforms a challenging site into the project’s defining strength. Silver peeks through climbing vines. Extensive glazing and sheltered outdoor spaces put inside and out in dialogue. Carefully proportioned volumes step with the terrain and open towards Mount Pirongia, ensuring the dramatic setting remains the focus.

Arriving from the rear, visitors are offered only a hint of what lies ahead. A carefully positioned opening frames a glimpse of sweeping views of the mighty Waikato. The house gradually reveals itself, beckoning guests toward the heart of the home. Bedrooms, private retreats and living spaces unfold one after another as the floorplate descends, creating a sense of progression that mirrors the natural fall of the land. What could have been a difficult site instead becomes a journey through architecture, view and elevation.

Dean Baldock, director and architectural designer at The Architecture People, says every project has constraints, but instead of seeing them as setbacks, they can inspire innovative solutions. “In design, sometimes having no constraints is harder as there’s nothing to start from,” he says. “Some may have stood on the sloping site and thought a house couldn’t be put there, but we saw the forest for the trees, and the final product speaks for itself. It’s a real product of constraint. The slope created zones, informed an interesting design, and encouraged the home’s sense of character.”

Preserving views in multiple directions required careful planning. Rather than relying on uninterrupted glazing, service spaces and circulation areas were strategically located to protect sightlines and ensure key outlooks remained unobstructed. “Even though the house is quite long, many zones were created. The views on all sides had to be preserved, but fully using them design-wise is tricky. The main view isn’t immediate; the entryway is private with only one window peeking through, a teaser of what’s to come.”

Wildwoods Construction says Crestview is the kind of project they love being involved in. “Building on a steep hillside definitely came with its challenges, but working closely with the homeowners, designers and wider team meant we were able to find practical solutions every step of the way. A lot of thought and care went into making sure the home worked with the land, not against it. The end result is a home we’re really proud of – one that reflects the quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail we bring to every project.”

The connection to environment reaches its fullest expression in the home’s expansive pool terrace. Fully taking advantage of its panoramic backdrop, a generous terrace and swimming pool flows from the main living areas to form a natural extension of the home.

Designed and constructed by Waikato specialists Pool Party, the fully customised outdoor space features a full-length ledge and detailed step transitions, befitting the rest of the multi-level property.

A below-ground cover pit maintains a clean, uninterrupted edge when the pool is not in use. “This fully custom design suits its location,” Pool Party director Jamie Ord says. “Extra engineering was required with it being closer to the bank, but the result was well worth it.”

While some draw comparisons to Mediterranean architecture, the aesthetic emerged from the clients’ desire for a light-filled, white-toned mid-century-style home. Warm timber soffits introduce contrast and depth, balancing the clean plastered surfaces and lending warmth to the otherwise restrained palette. The owner remained closely involved throughout the build,
even rendering the exterior brickwork and cladding the home themselves to achieve the precise finish they envisioned. This commitment is evident throughout.

Contact Details
The Architecture People
021 836 027
office@thearchitecturepeople.co.nz