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First Light Studio has shared photos of a new home they designed that’s nestled into the Port Hills in Governors Bay, New Zealand.
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The design brief for the house was to create a small home that was well crafted out of nice materials, which resulted in a gable form with a wood finish. Solar panels have been included on the roof, and an interior fireplace provides warmth inside.
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The wood exterior continues through to the interior, where it was given an oil finish to retain its rich reddy-yellow hues.

The main floor of the home has an open-plan living room and dining area, which opens to the deck, while the full-height ceilings of the gable roof create a light-filled and comfortable interior.
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The sleeping wing is more cozy in comparison and is separated by an efficiently designed ‘services pod’ which houses the kitchen, laundry, bathroom, and separate toilet.
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In the bathroom, the bathtub has been positioned below the window to take advantage of the views.
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The balcony, located off the social areas of the home, expands the living space and its connection to the outdoors.
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Back inside, there are wood stairs that provide access to a loft as well as the garage below.
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The loft has been furnished as a home office, while plants add a natural element and complement the wood interior.
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At night, the home lights up like a lantern on the hillside.


Photography by Jason Mann
Source: Contemporist