Scaife Residence
About the Project
Designed for a young family, this home was conceived as a flexible, light-filled environment that could adapt over time. The brief focused on creating a house that felt open and connected, while still allowing for privacy and retreat.
Living spaces are oriented to capture sunlight and connect to an adjacent reserve, with a simple, legible plan supporting easy flow between indoors and out. Open areas are balanced with more contained spaces, creating a house that is both social and practical.
Nearly a decade after completion, the clients returned to refine the house as their needs evolved. The brief focused on improving functionality and flow, while working within the constraints of the existing structure.
The alterations introduce targeted changes to key areas of the plan, strengthening connections between spaces and enhancing day-to-day usability. The result is a home that continues to adapt over time, building on the original design intent rather than replacing it.
Project details
Project: Scaife Residence
Location: Queenstown
Original build: 2015
Alterations: 2024
Project type: New build and later alterations
Role: Architect (original design and alterations)
Scope: Full house design, followed by targeted alterations
Focus: Flexibility, long-term adaptability, connection to landscape
Photography: Marina Mathews