Binocular Apartments is a Wellington project comprises two mirrored houses that share a site, central entrance, and architectural form, creating a cohesive yet dynamic composition. Meticulous detailing elevates the materials, transforming basic forms into moments of visual delight. Twin cantilevered decks project boldly toward the city and harbour, enhancing the overall design.

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The Poneke Company embraced the site’s steep topography, designing dwellings that nestle into the slope while projecting outward to capture stunning views. The sloping roofs evoke the profile of periscopes, offering a unique vantage point to experience the surrounding landscape.

Architect Nic Ballara explains, “We envisioned the houses as a pair of binoculars perched on the hill, observing the city and harbour. The fractured greywacke rock inspired the corten steel cladding, reflecting the seismic forces that shaped this land.” The design segments the houses into three distinct volumes: one housing the bedrooms, another the living areas, and a third functioning as a home office within a periscope-like light scoop.

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The west-facing living areas open onto decks that capture sunsets, while the east-facing bedrooms frame city and harbour vistas. Floor-to-ceiling glazing and the periscope scoop illuminate the interiors with natural light, balancing functionality and aesthetics.

From the street, the sloping periscope roofs are all that’s visible, seamlessly integrating the dwellings into the topography. The split-level design enhances privacy while framing dramatic views of the harbour and skyline.

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“At night, the dynamic shifts,” Ballara notes. “The tree-covered foreground fades, and the city lights feel even closer.”

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This project exemplifies architecture’s potential to harmonise with nature, creating dwellings that respect and elevate Wellington’s rugged terrain.”