River House / AW Architects

River House / AW Architects - Exterior Photography, Facade, GardenRiver House / AW Architects - Interior Photography, Living Room, WindowsRiver House / AW Architects - Exterior Photography, WindowsRiver House / AW Architects - Exterior Photography, Facade, Garden, CourtyardRiver House / AW Architects - More Images+ 11

Christchurch, New Zealand
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River House / AW Architects - Exterior Photography, Facade, Garden
© Lisa Gane

Text description provided by the architects. Tucked down a long driveway lined with established trees that opens out onto Wairarapa Stream lies River House. The owners had inhabited the original house on the property for generations, and after earthquake damage decided to build a new home that took advantage of the unique riverside environment.

River House / AW Architects - Exterior Photography, Facade, Garden
© Lisa Gane
River House / AW Architects - Image 13 of 16
Plan
River House / AW Architects - Interior Photography, Dining room, Table, Chair, Windows
© Lisa Gane

The new home presents itself as two distinct gable forms connected via a small glazed entrance. The main wing and deck facing the stream is perched above the ground on piles to allow for potential floodwater to flow underneath. The second wing is offset creating a private north facing courtyard and garden. Landscape features bring a sense of the waterway into the house, with a rill located in between the two gable forms.

River House / AW Architects - Exterior Photography, Facade, Garden, Courtyard
© Lisa Gane

The linear forms are broken up with carefully articulated openings to capture the natural surroundings, while a series of sliding timber shutters are used for privacy and sun shading. Cedar cladding and river stone gabion baskets were used. Black steel roofing contrasts the natural cedar while a small concrete wing forms the service side of the house. 

River House / AW Architects - Exterior Photography, Facade
© Lisa Gane

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Cite: "River House / AW Architects" 12 Apr 2022. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/980078/river-house-aw-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

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