Is This the Best Modern House in the World? (Part 2)

Through natural material selections, Cheshire Architects has unveiled Waiheke House, a home that embraces its surrounds to become the best modern house in the world. Operating under the rule that grandeur does not need to be shown through scale but rather quality, Waiheke House is a place of respite for its owners with only one and a half bedrooms and a focus on entertaining areas. While the views of Waiheke House are only part of what establishes it as the best modern house in the world, it is how the structure inserts itself into the landscape that is awe-inspiring. Focused on evoking the numerous meanings of ‘shelter,’ Waiheke House acts as a platform that can open or close for the watching of the weather as it changes.

Comprised of two pavilions, which are slightly offset from one another, Cheshire Architects have separated the living spaces to designate a place of reprieve and a place to entertain. The larger of the two pavilions, known as the seaward pavilion, is framed by landscaping. Shaped by the stone wall that curves around and holds the home, the idea of anchoring the seaward pavilion is seen through the home’s distinct architectural theme. To make the best modern house in the world feel warm and comfortable, the use of stone, wood and brass help the house insert itself into the surrounding nature.

Created for entertaining, the seaward pavilion is intentionally designed to be small, with only a kitchen, large dining section and lounge. Framed by glass on three sides, doors butterfly open so that the living areas can connect seamlessly with the lawn. Conceptually thought of as a canopy atop a mouth of a cave, Cheshire Architects has formed the best modern house in the world to navigate a spatial dialect that speaks to both broad ocean views and small, contained spaces. Throughout the house tour, it is evident that the selected surfaces and materials are chosen to act as a vessel for experience – an idea that Cheshire Architects hopes will still be embodied in 100 years as the home ages in place.

Seen in the stacked stone of the wall to the layered floor, Cheshire Architects avoids using crisp whites or laminates and instead imbues the home with richness from natural materials. Throughout the second pavilion, the adaption of narrower halls, lower ceilings and darker tones have been employed to create a dynamic internal contrast. Intended as a retreat for the owners, Waiheke House is a place to align and connect with the natural surroundings. By focusing on simple, high-quality design choices over scale, Cheshire Architects has created the best modern house in the world so that it may amplify what already exists.

00:00 - Introduction to the Best Modern House in the World
00:45 - An Island Location
01:05 - The Aspect of the House
01:35 - Tasked with Entertaining
02:01 - The House Plan and its Materials
03:39 - Hidden Openings and Passages
04:22 - Bathing Rituals
05:27 - The Goal Behind the Home
05:43 - Creating a Centred Feeling
06:09 - Becoming One with the Environment
06:33 - A Vessel for Experience
06:53 - A Home Made with Real Materials
07:20 - A Love for the Layered Experience

For more from The Local Project:

Photography by Sam Hartnett.
Architecture and Interior Design by Cheshire Architects.
Build by Lindesay Construction.
Landscape by URBANite.
Structural Engineering by Holmes.
Geotechnical Engineering by Ormiston Associates.
Filmed and Edited by Cadre.
Production by The Local Project.

The Local Project acknowledges Māori as tangata whenua and Treaty of Waitangi partners in Aotearoa New Zealand. We recognise the importance of Indigenous peoples in the identity of our respective countries and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present and extend that respect to all Indigenous people of these lands.

#ModernHouse #HouseTour #Architecture

[christopherride]

In 100 years this will still be a magnificent house. One of the most inspiring homes I have ever seen 🏆

[andreafoti]

incredible home. It's stunning but also feels so cozy, and like a place that you could actually live, and unwind and be at peace. And that bath.... absolutely gorgeous property

[jecsaundersjess]

This is downright poetic and meditative. What a beautiful approach to architecture.

[charlesm]

5:13 One of the most breath taking bathroom views I think I've ever seen. Just speechless

[anamariekllll]

This home is absolutely breathtaking, and the amount of intention that was put into creating it is incredibly refreshing and deeply inspiring! I love it!

[Hermes_Agoraeus]

I think this is the most thoughtful verbal presentation I've heard on this channel. Well done!

[nicoleta]

the effect of the music, the words like a poem or a fine wine, the video, the scenery and colour tones, made me feel soothed. I would love to spend time in that home, it's everything I would want in my own dream house.

[luciapartikova]

I never write comments and yet I had to this time. This is truly a masterpiece and beautiful art. If i was to design my house this would be it.
Love all the details and the way it blends with the environment and landscape.

[Joshlaneynz]

This is the most beautiful home I’ve ever seen on the Local Project, in fact ever.

[oldrange]

Im normally not a fan of overtly flowerly language when describing designs but the use here is appropriate with the focus on how the home makes you feel. Another great feature Local Project team! thanks for sharing!

[mswcqbn]

The LOCAL PROJECT as always inimitable.

[henryhealy]

Quite simply, that is one of the nicest views you could have from your home. What a stunning design.

[seccondmousegetsthecheese]

I worked on the construction of much of this house. Six years ago we stayed onsite for months. My main task initially was building the foundations and the swimming pool.
Im a little surprised that the pool I put so much work into is not featured in this extensive clip about the house. You can see it in the title shot and thats all.

[mindingminds]

I forgot to breathe. What a serene home...

[kayelyward]

There a certain sense of calm and serenity that comes from this home. To bathe in a tub at the base of a wig dow with a spectacular view while warm.gentle breezes float in is an ideal experience. The views both by day and by night ate beautiful. The fireplace warms the stone and glass from which the home is created. The combination of the stone, glass, and the view is spectacular. The feel is one of comfort with contemplative spaces which suit the recharging of one's batteries. It's a wonderful creation and a spectacular home.

[padureancalin]

The level of sophistication and depth to every detail is simply out of this world. Congrats to the architect!!!

[flashback_jade]

This is probably going to sound very strange, but I actually starting crying when the transition from the pavilion to the interior cavelike area was shown. It was so peaceful, comforting, and beautiful. I can't explain it.

[salmanarif]

Just by watching this video, I feel so relaxed. I wonder how would it feel by living in a place like this.

[rickroll]

The quality of the build; the perfect craftsmanship. Unbelievable. The custom stonework and joinery; let alone the razor thin roof. Wow. Well done not only to the architects, but the the people who crafted this house.

[nicotinedeals]

Just mindblowing. This is pure perfection. From location to the house itself.