This art collector's home is located up the eastern side of Pirongia Maunga, anchored into a small ridgeline.  The site has 180 degree views from the eastern side of Pirongia, across Te Awamutu and King Country, to the far eastern Kaimai Ranges, and south to Mt Ruapehu.

The house was designed to enable the owner to display an extensive art collection, and to provide selective views out to key landmarks.  The owner's brief was for a simple design solution with simple materials, to accommodate two bedrooms and an office.  It was also important to the owner that the views from within the house are not revealed too obviously, but in a controlled and selective manner, as you enter and progress through the house.

The floor plan is divided into four key areas, which are linked together by the main entry gallery space.  The private areas of the house (main bedroom and guest room) are positioned to the south, and the public areas (kitchen, dining, lounge, family) are positioned to the north side of the house.

On the north side of the house, low and high level windows allow for artwork to be displayed at eye height, while providing glimpses of Pirongia beyond the property. A selected view from the office, through the gallery space provides a view to Ruapehu Maunga. 

A simple material palate of horizontal and vertical cedar weatherboard, plywood and zinc sheet provide a subdued exterior appearance for the most part, with a single bold red wall welcoming guests to the front door. Colours inside are also muted, allowing the art work and design pieces to take centre stage. The art collection doesn't stop inside - a large sculptural sphere draws the eye along the central lap pool to the expansive countryside beyond