Alpine Retreat

A high-performance haven in the heart of Central Otago

Perched between rocky outcrops on the steep northwest face of Haehae Ata (Dunstan Range), Alpine Retreat is a modern holiday home designed to thrive in one of Aotearoa’s most extreme alpine environments. Brutally cold winters, scorching summers, and relentless winds shaped every decision, from the materials to the form. This is a place built for comfort, resilience, and connection. A retreat that honours the land, the history, and the people who pass through it.

Design with intention

The brief called for a peaceful, high-performance home that could welcome both family and guests, while blending seamlessly into the rugged landscape. Inspired by the gold miners’ “digs” and the transient nature of the region’s human history, the design uses local schist, charred timber, and layered forms to echo the textures and colours of the land.
Views of Te Wairere (Lake Dunstan) and Toki Porutu (Pisa Range) shift and unfold from room to room. Outdoor spaces are sheltered from the wind and shaded from the sun, allowing the home to open up in shoulder seasons and close down in extreme weather.

Built to perform

Alpine Retreat achieved PH Low Energy certification, with airtight construction, triple-glazed windows, and a heating demand of just 17.8 kWh/m²a. Passive shading and steel screens prevent overheating, while water is collected and treated on site. Materials were chosen for durability, low maintenance, and minimal environmental impact – ideal for a home used intermittently by many.

Collaborative and place-based

The project was enriched by local knowledge from Ngāi Tahu kaumātua and the Cromwell Museum. Interior designer Melanie Craig brought warmth and refinement, while eHaus Central Lakes delivered technical excellence and craftsmanship.

This is architecture that listens to the land, responds to the climate, and will stand for generations.