Peninsula House sits in one of the sunniest areas of Kelvin Heights, just few meters above the water level of lake Wakatipu, and it is the result of a process of renovation with extension of the previously existing building. The design was driven by the need to provide a larger living area, including a kitchen functional to the use of a passionate cook and family gatherings, and an outdoor deck that could provide a proper sitting and dining area, while maintaining privacy.
The design response was of an added extension facing the lake, formed with a metal and glass pavilion juxtaposed to the existing stone cladded building, to preserve and dialog with the original material language and provide the new required functionalities. The new pavilion design generated the opportunity of re-thinking how to better relate with the world-class landscape beauty in front of it. Looked from the track beside the lake below, the added depth of the new one-story high pavilion hides in perspective the upper story, with the effect of minimizing the overall impact of the built over the environment. The pavilion has been then lightly lifted and cantilevered out, as if floating towards the lake, enhancing its lightness.
From the inside point of view, the detailing of the window joinery has been done to hide heads and sills from sight. That, combined with the ground being lower, creates a visual continuity between indoor floor and water, enhancing the perception of proximity and engagement with the outdoor lake environment.