New Zealand is perhaps best know for its natural beauty (that and Lord of the Rings,) and Waikanae House is a family summer home that takes advantage of those physical traits. The home, which features a modern, multi-volume design, is set out alone, with no other houses or cottage for some distance in any direction.
Waikanae House, which takes its name from the small town nearest to it, was designed by Herriot Melhuish O'Neill Architects. It is a seaside property, offering its residents spectacular vistas of Kapiti Island on the beachfront edge and the Tararua Ranges in the opposite direction. Among all this nature, the house stands out because of its distinctly modern design. It incorporates the regular, sharp edges of many contemporary architectural homes, a contrast against the irregularity of nature.
Isolated Modern Homes
Waikanae House is a Modern Design in the Midst of Nature
Trend Themes
1. Isolated Modern Homes - The trend of designing modern homes in the midst of nature, away from other houses or cottages, offers an opportunity for disruptive innovation in sustainable architecture and off-the-grid technology.
2. Contemporary Architectural Homes - The trend of incorporating sharp edges and regular shapes in modern homes, contrasting with the irregularity of nature, offers an opportunity for disruptive innovation in material science and minimalist design.
3. Seaside Properties - The trend of designing homes that offer spectacular views of nature, such as the beachfront and mountain ranges, offers an opportunity for disruptive innovation in architectural engineering and sustainable tourism.
Industry Implications
1. Real Estate - The trend of designing modern homes in isolated natural settings offers an opportunity for real estate companies to invest in new markets that cater to eco-conscious consumers and nature enthusiasts.
2. Architecture and Design - The trend of creating contemporary homes that contrast with natural surroundings and utilize sustainable materials offers an opportunity for architects and designers to develop new styles that harmonize modernity with the environment.
3. Tourism and Hospitality - The trend of building vacation homes that provide access to unique natural landscapes offers an opportunity for tourism and hospitality industries to create innovative eco-tourism experiences that promote environmental awareness and conservation.