Mount Pleasant House

Location: Christchurch / NZ

One of the positive things to result from the earthquakes. This Mount Pleasant house is a confident rebuild that squeezes the potential from a tricky hillside corner site. The outside is textured black cedar and steel, but once through the front door, the house is light, free and airy in response to the site, expansive views to both sea and valley are framed and focused, and sunlight, bright and dappled is admitted to all rooms, the wind is tamed by well-connected courtyards. The social program gives teenagers some independence, while offering plenty of family gathering and private spaces.