Box
House
Nestled in the Port Hills foothills, Box House is a grounded family home shaped by landscape, framing views to the Southern Alps and everyday life along the reserve.
Positioned alongside the reserve, the house establishes a strong visual and physical relationship with its environment while creating sheltered, private spaces along the bedroom wing — now a distinctive outdoor play area for the family.
A deliberate view shaft from the entry draws the landscape through the heart of the home, providing clear orientation on arrival while more utilitarian spaces remain discreetly tucked away.
The building sits low within the landform to minimise visual impact, with monopitched roof planes reinforcing a strong horizontal expression. A restrained palette of timber and light brick creates a solid, enduring presence, with material continuity from exterior to interior grounding the arrival sequence.
A clear transition from public to private spaces shapes the plan. Light-filled living areas open to the outdoors, while skylights animate circulation spaces with shifting light throughout the day.
