Stackbrae

BACK STORY

Stackbrae is an award-winning development of 31 architect-designed homes in Wānaka, created as an alternative model for suburban housing. Developed by Satomi Holdings and designed by Assembly Architects, the project sought to raise the standard of design outcomes while simplifying the process for homeowners.

The development was master planned to maximise sun, privacy, views and quality outdoor space, with every home designed and consented before sale. While the homes share a consistent architectural language, variation in house size, orientation, form and material palette creates individuality throughout the neighbourhood. The result is a cohesive community that balances efficiency, design quality and connection to the surrounding mountain landscape.

CHALLENGE

The project sought to deliver a large-scale residential development without compromising architectural quality. With timber featuring prominently throughout many of the homes, the external cladding specification needed to complement the wider design vision while contributing to a cohesive streetscape.

The finish needed to enhance the natural character of the timber while supporting a refined, understated material palette suited to the Wānaka environment. Achieving a weathered appearance that would help the homes sit comfortably within the landscape was a key consideration, while maintaining the visual consistency required across a development of this scale.

SOLUTION

Dryden WoodOil was selected to help protect and enhance the timber cladding used throughout the development. With natural materials playing an important role in the architectural language of Stackbrae, it was important to choose a coating system that would preserve the character and texture of the timber while complementing the overall design intent.

The architects were drawn to Dryden's ability to nourish and protect timber without masking its natural qualities. The finish enhances the grain and variation of the timber, particularly on band-sawn and rough-sawn boards, helping to bring depth and texture to the cladding. Across the development, the use of Dryden WoodOil supports the wider material palette and reinforces the architectural goal of creating homes that feel connected to their surroundings through the use of honest, natural materials.

OUTCOMES

Stackbrae has become a successful example of how thoughtful design controls, strong master planning and carefully considered material selections can contribute to a cohesive residential community. The development delivers a consistent architectural character while still allowing each home to retain its own identity.

Dryden WoodOil played an important role in supporting the timber architecture throughout the development, enhancing the natural beauty and character of the cladding while complementing the wider material palette. The result is a neighbourhood where natural materials remain a defining feature of the overall design and where the homes sit comfortably within the surrounding Wānaka landscape.