Lovely Okura House by Bossley Architects

This remarkable contemporary home was completed last year (2012) in Long Bay, Auckland, New Zealand. Known as Okura House, it was designed by Bossley Architects in a rolling rural landscape. In order to minimize its impact on the views from the neighboring homes, the building was depressed approximately 9.8 feet into the existing ridge.

There are two individual buildings on the site, linked by a lightweight roof and screens. This configuration reduces the overall bulk while also defining the entry and pool area. The use of concrete walls and earth roof helps blend the building into the landscape, thus minimizing its impact on the landscape even more.