Otago Daily Times

Design hits a hole-in-one

By Kim Dungey – Otago Daily Times, Friday October 10, 2025

Having three keen golfers in the family, this holiday home in the new development at Gibbston Valley seemed par for the course.

The house is sited at the edge of the development’s 10th fairway, with direct access from its front lawn to the course. It’s the owner’s own build, and the brief was to design a home suited to family holidays as well as hosting guests.

Built by Balic Design and Build, it’s a modern interpretation of a classic Central Otago lodge — architect Charlotte Condon of Condon Scott Architects says the owner wanted a sense of permanence, texture, and tactility, with the house designed to work as a year-round holiday base.

Made up of three pavilions linked by galleries, the home sits low on its site and opens to broad lawns and views of the Crown Range beyond the course.

The central pavilion, featuring the main living area, subtly signals its importance and gathers light into the home through clerestory glazing. Outdoor connection was key, with the main gable roof extending over a covered entertaining area that includes an outdoor kitchen, bar, and barbecue.

The schist cladding and cedar create a sense of permanence, while high ceilings and expansive glazing maintain a light, open connection to the outdoors.

Anchored wood floors are bordered by stone pillars and finished in warm natural tones.

Inside, interior designers Space Studio created a warm, tactile palette of muted materials and sculptural pieces layered with texture.

Balic Design and Build director Luke Balic says with four bedrooms and three bathrooms in total, the house size (approximately 418 square metres) is generous without feeling overwhelming.

Lofty ceilings and large expanses of glazing bring the surrounding alpine landscape in. The timber trusses add grandeur to the main living and dining zone, while a schist fireplace grounds the space.

New Zealand-made furnishings were chosen throughout, including custom-made American oak cabinetry and built-in shelving.

Bringing traditional character with modern comfort, the house balances its regional context with contemporary design.

This home was a finalist in the Master Builders House of the Year competition.

Captions

Page one (top to bottom, left to right):

The Gibbston Valley house by Condon Scott Architects takes inspiration from classic Central Otago lodges.

The main gable roof extends over a covered entertaining area that includes an outdoor kitchen, bar, and barbecue.

Schist cladding and cedar combine to create a sense of permanence and connection with the region.

Page two (top to bottom, left to right):

Mixed textural finishes — including stone, timber and plaster — give warmth and depth to the interiors.

High ceilings and large expanses of glazing capture the surrounding alpine views.

Where handcrafted tiles and a stone vanity create a tactile, retreat-like feel.

A refined balance of materiality and light — textural tiles, stone, and oak.
Read more about this project on our journal: https://www.spacestudio.co.nz/projects/toms-creek-residence/