Nestled on an elevated plateau in Queenstown, New Zealand, Speargrass House is a masterpiece of design that celebrates both the beauty of nature and the charm of family life. Commissioned by a family who recently relocated from Sydney, Arent&Pyke took on the challenge of creating a home that balances robust functionality with refined elegance, all while blending seamlessly with its stunning surroundings.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Location: Queenstown, New Zealand
Architecture: Sumich Chaplin
Interior Design: Arent&Pyke
Photography: Anson Smart
Situated on 85 sprawling acres, Speargrass House is set against the dramatic backdrop of The Remarkables and Coronet Peak. The design carefully considers the home’s integration with the landscape, allowing the natural environment to influence the materiality and aesthetic of the interiors. The house is not just a retreat from city life but a new way of living—a gateway into the rhythms of country life for a young family, including four boys under the age of ten.
The vision for Speargrass House was clear: to create a forever home that merges with its natural environment while providing a practical and inviting space for a growing family. The exterior, designed by Sumich Chaplin, wraps the home in steel, Schist stone, and timber weatherboards, evoking a timeless quality. The u-shaped configuration around a sheltered courtyard allows for interaction with the surrounding landscape without losing the intimacy of family life.
The interior design by Arent&Pyke brings in these exterior elements with a palette that mirrors the natural surroundings. Blues reminiscent of the wide skies, saffron echoing autumn foliage, and silvery greys that reflect the rocky outcrops and passing clouds come together to create a tranquil, earthy atmosphere. The tones of oatmeal, nutmeg, and cinnamon are infused into the interiors, grounding the home in a wholesome, organic feel, while bronze accents bring an element of modern sophistication.
For a family with four active young boys, the home needed to be as practical as it is beautiful. The robust materials used throughout ensure the house can endure the wear and tear of daily life, while the design itself encourages interaction and connection—whether it’s within the family or with the natural world outside.
Inside, soaring pitched ceilings and expansive glass windows invite the outdoors in, creating a sense of openness and light. Yet, despite the grandeur, the interiors are domestically scaled, ensuring every corner of the home feels intimate and welcoming. Arent&Pyke’s approach avoids any overly fussy ornamentation, instead focusing on creating spaces that enhance everyday living.
One of the hallmarks of the Speargrass House design is how it blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors. The natural textures and tones used inside the home resonate with the scenery outside, creating a seamless connection between the two. Fluted oak panels, oatmeal-hued fabrics, and bronze accents ensure that the warmth and richness of the landscape seep into the home’s interior, creating a cohesive design that feels at one with its environment.
The open-plan living areas flow naturally into one another, with large windows framing views of the mountains and countryside, making nature a constant presence in the daily lives of the family. The courtyard, nestled within the u-shape of the house, offers a sheltered retreat where family and friends can gather, no matter the season.
Speargrass House is more than just a country escape; it’s a place to grow, thrive, and create lasting memories. Arent&Pyke’s thoughtful design has ensured that this home will serve its family for generations, providing both the practical needs of daily life and the soulful connection to the surrounding landscape.
Through the seamless integration of natural materials, earthy tones, and open spaces, Speargrass House reflects the essence of its place while embracing the dynamics of modern family living. It’s a home that not only endures but also enhances the lives of those who dwell within.
