Dark Vertical Wood Siding On The Exterior Of This Modern House Gives It A Strong Personality

November 12, 2020
A modern home with a mono-pitched roof, curve-edged, cedar-clad walls, and an interior that opens to outdoor spaces.

Condon Scott Architects has designed a modern house in Wanaka, New Zealand, that has views of the neighborhood, as well as the mountains and lake in the distance.

Located on an elevated wedge-shaped site in a relatively new subdivision, the Ruby Ridge House borders two suburban streets and has a simple, mono-pitched roof and curve-edged, cedar-clad exterior siding.

This modern home has a simple, mono-pitched roof and curve-edged, cedar-clad walls.
This modern home has a simple, mono-pitched roof and curve-edged, cedar-clad walls.
This modern home has a simple, mono-pitched roof and curve-edged, cedar-clad walls.

The design of the house allows the homeowners to enjoy their space without the sense of being overlooked.

The design of this modern home allows for the homeowners to enjoy their space without the sense of being overlooked.

Board-form concrete contrasts with the wood, and both materials spill into the interiors, providing a visual consistency inside and out.

The living spaces are configured around courtyards that are sheltered, private, and flow seamlessly from the interiors, with the body of the house providing both a windbreak and a visual barrier.

Large sliding glass doors open this home interior to the outdoors and a courtyard.
Large sliding glass doors open this home interior to the outdoors.

Linked through stacking aluminum sliders, these courtyards are an extension of the living space and can be enjoyed year-round, with a concrete outdoor fireplace. A matching interior fireplace can be found in the living room.

A modern home with a board-formed concrete fireplace in the living room that matches an outdoor fireplace in the courtyard.

The front deck also flows easily from the living area, with the French oak floorboards appearing to merge with the Kwila decking.

The front deck of this modern home also flows easily from the living area, with the French oak floorboards appearing to merge with the Kwila decking.

In the kitchen, minimalist warm wood cabinets have been paired with a gray backsplash and dark countertops for a contemporary look.

A modern kitchen with minimalist warm wood cabinets that have been paired with a gray backsplash and dark countertops for a contemporary look.

Here’s a look at the floor plan that shows the layout of the home.

A floor plan for a modern house with a courtyard.
Photography by Simon Devitt | Architect: Condon Scott Architects