Brise Soleil House

Currently on the drawing board.

Nestled in the sunny vineyards of the Wairarapa lies a sustainable sanctuary of relaxed and low-impact living, protected by the wings of a graceful and unobtrusive shading device: the Brise Soleil.  

The Brise Soleil creates a natural threshold between the house’s main living space and the outdoor living areas to the east and west, allowing for all-day enjoyment of the sun. Bookended by two wings – one for sleeping and one for utility – the house is a symbiosis of public and private space. 

The design of the home is primarily driven by passive house principles from the beginning of the initial concept.

The brise soleil protects the interior from overheating during summer, while letting sun in allowing the concrete slab to absorb and slowly release heat during the cooler winter months.

Windows are carefully sized and positioned to prevent overheating, while solar panels provide the majority of energy generation for the home.

Passive house detailing ensures the house is highly energy efficient and economical to run, creating a home that is exceptionally high quality whilst remaining light on the earth.