Winner of the '2002 NZIA- Resene Local Award for Architecture', the 'Gibbston Valley House' has been admired for its simple, elegant and symmetrical design for some time now.
Renowned architect Christopher Kelly, who also designed the famous Peregrine Vineyard 'wing' was given a design brief for a simple, timeless family home that would fit into its surroundings and would express the sentiment that 'less is more.'
The residence sits on 7.1 ha, 5ha of which are in vineyards of Pinot Noir and Gris, on the hill slope of Gibbston Valley. Built with a north facing aspect, the home enjoys all day sun both summer and winter. The house is a sprawling, low lying contemporary home with enveloping wings, shaped around a pair of large courtyards- one for entry, the other for living. Five bedrooms- one of which is guest accommodation with separate entry- and three living areas ensure that family and guests are always able to find quiet repose.
The floor plan is well- resolved and articulated through use of modules. The fireplace forms the heart and pivot of the house which is shaped, for perfect symmetry, in a letter 'T.' The roof of the house is certainly a spectacular feature and as a precursor to Peregrine it is only natural to draw some comparisons. The structure is pivoted to allow for maximum sun and is held aloft by a series of sequential concrete 'blades', which are lit at night.
The house provides a very comfortable living environment in a dramatic terrain. Extensive glazing and by-fold doors provide a range of spectacular mountain views of Coronet Peak, the back of the Remarkables, the Crown Range and Mt Rosa and ensure that those inside gain a feeling of truly being part of the ever-changing exterior surrounds.
The grounds are planted for apt simplicity in Tussock, Pin Oaks, Scarlett Oaks and Cherry Blossom while sprawling lawns encircle the home.
The owners adore what they term their 'own piece of paradise' and will deeply miss the peace, privacy and simplicity of their ultimate family home.
The Area
Gibbston is an area as renowned for its' rugged natural beauty' as it is for its fine wine producing capabilities. The region boasts a massive selection of vineyards including Chard Farm, Peregrine, Gibbston Valley and Waitiri Creek, many of which have wine tasting and restaurant facilities. Gibbston Valley has earned an international reputation for Pinot Noir and other thriving grape varieties such as: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris Riesling, and Pinot Blanc.
The area is also growing in fame for having some of the most stunning and award winning architecture in New Zealand.
Gibbston is also known by many as being the birth place of the global phenomenon- 'the Bungy'!
Gibbston Valley sits cradled by mountains between the tourist Mecca of Queenstown and another famous wine and fruit growing area- Cromwell. Only ten minutes drive from historic Arrowtown, 'the valley' affords tranquillity without total isolation. Never short of magnificent, sunny weather, Gibbston has become one of the most sought after locations for quality lifestyle living in all of New Zealand.
|
