A Black House With A Tower-Like Design In The Canopies of New Zealand

The black exterior of this unusual building is an attempt to establish visual harmony between architecture and nature and to establish a continuous and simple overall aesthetic for this whole project. The building is a one-bedroom home for a couple, designed and built by studio Glamuzina Paterson Architects. It occupies a steep site in New Zealand, accessible from the top and through a winding path among the trees. The pathway leads down to a porch which marks the entrance into this tall structure. The house has a tower-like design, featuring a ground floor with a small footprint of only 47 square meters and additional upper floors that get even smaller, measuring 34 square meters across. The decision to emphasize the verticality of the build was dictated and inspired by the surrounding topography. The owners wanted a house among the tree canopies and wished to preserve the surrounding landscape as best as possible.

The entrance patio leads into the dining area which is on an elevated plan in relation to the living room

The double-height living room feels very cozy and has a welcoming look

The house was built on a modest budget and maintains a simple aesthetic inside and out, based on functionality but also fully capable of emphasizing the beauty of the surrounding landscape and the views. The two outdoor decks follow the contours of the land and establish a close connection between the interior spaces and the outdoors. The North-facing facade is fully exposed to the beautiful tree canopies and has large glazed surfaces which frame these lovely views. The interior of the house is organized of four split levels, creating clear distinctions between the various different areas and their specific functions.

The house has two outdoor decks surrounded by dense vegetation and with access to the immediate surroundings

The tall and narrow structure allows the house to rise among the tall tree canopies and to make the most of its location

Various different types of wood were used for the decks, the indoor flooring and other design elements

Large openings and panorama windows expose the interior spaces to their beautiful natural surroundings

The wooden floor and ceiling add symmetry to the interior design and complement the plain white walls

The kitchen and dining room for example are slightly elevated, creating the impression of a sunken living room. At the same time, the living room is a double-height space which feels very bright, airy and spacious despite its reduced dimensions. The use of reclaimed wood for the flooring and the warm and earthy selection of finishes and colors creates a very pleasant and comfortable atmosphere throughout the entirety of this black house.