Apple Bay House is a holiday retreat for extended family designed by Parsonson Architects Ltd, nestled on a west facing bush clad hillside of Apple Bay, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand. The property is located in the Marlborough Sounds, which is at the north end of the South Island of New Zealand. It is accessible by 4 wheel drive vehicle and boat from the nearest township Picton.

We intended to create a delicate platform amongst trees for life to unfold. The house is in two parts, each with a fine roof that follows the slope of the land. The upstairs living areas are configured as a large elongated space with decks at each end to enjoy both the morning and afternoon sun and with retreat and service spaces serving these. Downstairs bedrooms float amongst the trees with windows opening across the tree tops. The gap and junction between the two building parts is a continuation of the path up from the boat house.

Parsonson Architects was established in 1987 and is based in Wellington, New Zealand. The practice has focused primarily on individual houses and aims to produce work with a high level of sensitivity and discipline, engaging the spirit of each owner and site. More recently projects have included apartment buildings, retail fit outs in North America and Europe and competition entries across a variety of building types and project scales.

Photos: Paul Mcredie