Set high in the foothills of Mt Pisa, overlooking the Grandview Ranges and the mighty Clutha River, rests Rangi Kahu.
Designed by architect James Stockwell and built by Spearhead Developments this multi-award winning home with its multi-faceted ceiling, is inspired by Japanese astrophysicist Koryo Miura’s ‘Miura fold’.
The home was a huge technical challenge and so beautifully finished, the judges in the 2019 Registered Master Builders House of the Year gave it the national title of Supreme New Home, as well bestowing the Craftsmanship Award on it.
Partially buried to maintain a low profile in the surrounding environment, the rooftops are expressed as a landscape of ridges and valleys.
Soaring walls of glass span the length of the building, cleverly protected from summer sun. Mercifully, light and warmth still flood the interior in winter.
The relatively modest 176sqm house consists of three well-appointed double bedrooms, accompanied by three exquisite bathrooms.
The main living space runs the length of the structure and includes some beautiful pieces of bespoke joinery.
Overhead, glass pulls light into the rear of the dwelling. The finely crafted Canadian oak panelled ceiling demands attention, folding to embrace the living space.
The separate studio, echoes the form of the main house, providing a space for reflection and calm.
Other awards include the national craftmanship award, Top 100 winner and Regional Supreme House of the Year (Southern).
Owner Nick Mizzi has been building for 23 years. For him, working outdoors amongst the elements with like-minded people is good fun.
He likes the challenge of a 35-degree Central Otago scorcher or a minus 10-degree, dark, frosty start to the day.
Building or renovating someone’s home also brings massive amounts of satisfaction – leaving them with something that’s pretty unique and will last many lifetimes.
2019 was the first year he entered House of the Year. That year he won eight medals in total.