The Bunker

The name of this property near Lake Tekapo is the ‘Bunker House’, but that hardly does it justice. Yes, it’s partly underground and, yes, it has hallmarks of a bunker, but the moniker doesn’t hint at the laidback luxury and the extent of the pared-back style within. The owner wanted to create something that would last for centuries, blend into the landscape and provide a sense of splendid isolation. Wilson Building Timaru expertly ticked off all three, and produced a lot more besides. It’s extraordinary.

There’s only one large, glazed facade in the 200sqm two-bedroom house cocooned in the earth. It ushers in light and warmth, but faces away from Mt John Observatory to reduce light impact. The Mackenzie region is, after all, part of an internationally recognised dark sky reserve that draws star-gazers from all over the world. The glass-covered frontage lets the owner feel part of the stunning landscape and enjoy the star-studded night sky without interfering with it. Concrete panels make up the tussock-covered rectangle and are exposed in the interior. The palette echoes the rugged environs with concrete, steel and recycled timber – although the design still manages to be cutting-edge contemporary. The two-ensuite home is warm in winter and cool in summer. On the drawing board is a tunnel to an underground plane hangar. This unique home truly stands out for its clever connection with the natural environment.

The house also earned a place in the National Top 100, a Canterbury Regional Gold and a Regional Lifestyle Award for Bathroom Excellence for its two ensuites. The bathrooms’ unusual yet highly impressive designs, said the judges, highlighted the exquisite texture of the house’s concrete work, with diffused light filtering through clerestory windows. “The regular act of bathing has been elevated to a high ritual, making this project a worthy recipient of the Plumbing World Bathroom Excellence Award.

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