S.K.I. House
The S.K.I. House in Wanaka, New Zealand, designed by Roberts Gray Architects, is a stunning example of modern minimalism rooted in natural beauty. Created for the architect’s parents, the home’s name humorously stands for "spending kids’ inheritance," yet every detail reflects investment in timeless design. From the street, the residence appears as a quiet composition of solid geometric forms and dark screens, but once inside, it opens into sunlit courtyards and breathtaking mountain views.
Crafted from concrete blockwork, charred cedar, and galvanized steel, the house balances durability with elegance. Sliding screens modulate privacy and light, while the interplay of solid and transparent elements creates a serene rhythm throughout the space. In winter, the interiors feel cocooned and warm; in summer, the home expands through garden courtyards that blur the boundary between indoors and out.
Built as an intergenerational retreat, the S.K.I. House stands as an urban sanctuary amid the fast-changing landscape of Wānaka. Every material, proportion, and opening is carefully considered, reflecting a deep understanding of place, climate, and craft. It is both a family home and a refined architectural statement, proof that spending the inheritance can be an act of legacy rather than indulgence.
Crafted from concrete blockwork, charred cedar, and galvanized steel, the house balances durability with elegance. Sliding screens modulate privacy and light, while the interplay of solid and transparent elements creates a serene rhythm throughout the space. In winter, the interiors feel cocooned and warm; in summer, the home expands through garden courtyards that blur the boundary between indoors and out.
Built as an intergenerational retreat, the S.K.I. House stands as an urban sanctuary amid the fast-changing landscape of Wānaka. Every material, proportion, and opening is carefully considered, reflecting a deep understanding of place, climate, and craft. It is both a family home and a refined architectural statement, proof that spending the inheritance can be an act of legacy rather than indulgence.
