Vaughn McQuarrie has designed a rural retreat on an elevated site overlooking the Wakatipu lake, surrounded by mountains in New Zealand's South Island.

The design of the retreat is informed by its location and the historical shelters of the region.

Due to the owners aversion to "glass boxes", the house has been designed around a series of curated views, experienced as you move through the house which has been designed as one space, with pinch points and corners designating specific activities.

Views are captured in a way that relates to the function each area. The house is an exercise in sufficiency over excess.

This project has been longlisted in the rural house project category of Dezeen Awards 2020.

Architect: Vaughn McQuarrie
Project: Bivvy House
Read more: Vaughn McQuarrie