Kawarau House is a contemporary riverside residence in Queenstown, positioned on the edge of the Kawarau River with expansive views across the water and surrounding hills. The architecture is designed to maximise connection to the river through generous glazing and sheltered outdoor living, while maintaining privacy from neighbouring properties. This architectural photography project focused on capturing natural light, interior material detailing, and the strong indoor–outdoor flow throughout the home. Photographed by Ben Ruffell.

Kawarau House uses simple, modern forms and dark exterior materials to sit quietly within its riverside setting while opening toward expansive mountain and water views.

Kawarau House uses simple, modern forms and dark exterior materials to sit quietly within its riverside setting while opening toward expansive mountain and water views.

Photography focused on how the home’s covered decks and overhangs frame long river and mountain views, supporting year-round outdoor living in a riverside environment.

Interior photography highlights open-plan living areas oriented toward the river, documenting how glazing and layout maximise natural light and landscape connection.

Detailed imagery documents material transitions and timber screening that define the home’s entry sequence and provide privacy while maintaining visual openness.

The street-facing façade of Kawarau House presents a restrained architectural expression, with solid forms and controlled openings to protect privacy from neighbouring properties.

Photography documents how kitchen and dining spaces connect directly to exterior decks, reinforcing everyday indoor–outdoor living within the riverside setting.

Street-facing views were photographed to show the home’s restrained architectural expression and solid forms that contrast with its open riverside façade.

Rail detail captures the calm river edge and vegetation that form a key part of the home’s setting and overall experience.

Upper-level living spaces and balcony structures were photographed to show elevated outlooks across the Kawarau River and surrounding hills.

Private interior spaces were photographed to show carefully framed views into surrounding vegetation, balancing openness with seclusion.