Two commendations ...

Press, 19 December 1984, Page 47

Two commendations ...

Robust design suits rugged alpine setting

In 1980 a new homestead for the Mount Algidus station was needed for the owner, his wife and their two children. Due to the isolation of the property, at the confluence of the Rakaia and Wilberforce Rivers, it was also necessry to provide accommodation for a live-in school teacher and assistant. The architects, Skews Hey and Archer, were engaged to design a home that would remain unobtrusive in the natural beauty of the surrounding area, yet provide a sweeping view of the Wilberforce Valley through to the Harper Valley. The house was built from timber, milled from existing larch trees by the old house. This assisted in letting the sun into the old house and provided framing and cladding timber for the house. River boulders from the Wilberforce were used to clad the outside with stone, not only for appearance but also for warmth. Wide verandahs were provided along the front of the building, firstly for shelter from the intense sun experienced in the area, and also to give some shelter for sitting out in wet, but quite warm, weather. The house was very linear in design, enabling the use of solar heat gain on the stone walls. This was particularly necessary in the

harsh winter, for any winter sun was needed to penetrate deep into the house as the ground could be frozen to at least 150 mm deep in winter. The jury commended the architects for the robust

homestead “scaled to its Canterbury high country environment with considerable skill; the forms echoing the ruggged mountain slopes of the alpine region.” The jury believed the

selection of materials gave a true sense of belonging in its environment, and the simple-detailed interiors reflected a conscious effort to produce a welcoming place of shelter in a demanding

location. “The internal spaces are well related to one another, and views of the magnificent scenery have been exploited to the fullest,” the jury said.