Urwin House Steward Island

Designed for a hill top site on Wohlers Road, Stewart island, overlooking expansive sea views to the north east, this house had to also both access solar gain from a nearly true north orientation, as well as fit within the boundaries of a defined building platform. The main daytime living space (Dining/family and kitchen) therefore look straight out to sea, while the lounge and bedroom wing angles to almost true north with thermal mass Trombe walls featured in the main living spaces for storage of day time solar energy for re radiation for warmth at night. Such dramatic orientation axis’ set up some interesting roof lines.