The SKI House by Roberts Gray Architects Forms a Warm Family Retreat
Amy Duong — October 19, 2025 — Art & Design
References: robertsgray.co
The SKI House by Roberts Gray Architects is designed as a multi-generational retreat that responds to the alpine climate and natural beauty of Wānaka. A series of solid, interconnected volumes surrounds a sheltered courtyard, offering both privacy and connection to the outdoors. The restrained exterior contrasts with light-filled interiors that open to views of the mountains and lake. Each space is crafted for seasonal living, with cozy, timber-lined rooms for winter and open transitions to terraces and gardens in summer.
Local materials ground the home in its setting, combining charred cedar, oak flooring, and raw galvanized steel with handcrafted masonry. The muted palette and textured finishes create a calm, tactile atmosphere that reflects the landscape’s quiet strength. By balancing intimacy and openness, the Ski House serves as both refuge and gathering place, embodying a sense of permanence and belonging within the shifting alpine environment.
Image Credit: Roberts Gray Architects
Local materials ground the home in its setting, combining charred cedar, oak flooring, and raw galvanized steel with handcrafted masonry. The muted palette and textured finishes create a calm, tactile atmosphere that reflects the landscape’s quiet strength. By balancing intimacy and openness, the Ski House serves as both refuge and gathering place, embodying a sense of permanence and belonging within the shifting alpine environment.
Image Credit: Roberts Gray Architects
Trend Themes
-
Biophilic Design in Architecture — Integrating nature into living spaces provides a seamless connection with the surrounding environment, offering innovative solutions for enhancing occupant well-being.
-
Seasonal Adaptive Interiors — Designing interiors to adapt with the changing seasons opens opportunities for creating multifunctional living experiences that optimize comfort year-round.
-
Sustainable Local Sourcing — Utilizing locally sourced materials can significantly reduce a building's carbon footprint and foster community connections, emphasizing environmental responsibility in construction.
Industry Implications
-
Residential Real Estate — Innovative approaches in residential real estate focus on creating spaces that harmonize with their natural settings, enhancing the appeal of properties in scenic locations.
-
Architecture and Design — Architects and designers are pushing boundaries by crafting spaces that prioritize adaptability, sustainability, and connection to nature, redefining modern living standards.
-
Construction and Materials — Demand for sustainable construction practices is driving the use of environmentally friendly materials and techniques, paving the way for a greener future in building design.
3.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
