Designed by the architect who created the iconic glass Apple store in New York, this monolithic home provides the perfect backdrop for a very special art collection
Q&A with Cathy Shyer
You’ve owned the house for 18 years, what has it revealed to you over that time?
The design is simple and that’s its brilliance. The light and openness is breathtaking.
Are there other designs by the architect Peter Bohlin that you admire?
The Fifth Avenue Apple store is iconic, of course. I have also been fortunate enough to see two other homes he designed, both of which highlight his talent for designing for a specific site.
What’s your favourite aspect of the house?
It would have to be the large windows in the main living areas that face the lake and greet you when you walk in. Being able to wake up with such an amazing view is wonderful. And having a double car garage attached directly to the house is a secret gift in this climate.
For house visitors not versed in New Zealand art, what are their reactions to the various pieces?
The security guard that stands at the front entrance blows visitors away. It has been somewhat off-putting for a few visitors coming to the front door for the first time, because of how life-like it is. The other piece that attracts attention is the Pule that hangs in the dining room. Visitors are drawn in by the incredible detail and storytelling of the painting.
You wake up to the Hotere piece. What draws you to it?
The colour scheme, the striking white-on-black canvas and, of course, the historic Aramoana smelter protest that inspired the painting.
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The Shyers were drawn to the Wononscopomuc Lake house that so elegantly frames the expansive views.
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Architect Peter Bohlin designed the lake house in 1970 for a member of his own family. Bohlin’s studio, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, went on to design Apple’s multi-award winning, landmark glass-block store on Fifth Avenue, New York.
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Michael Parekowhai’s ‘Kapa haka (Pakaka)’ greets visitors at the front door. The security guard looks onto an untitled work by Peter Robinson.
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Bob and Cathy Shyer sit at the ‘Elliptical’ dining table by Piet Hein and Bruno Mathsson in the dining room. Behind them is ‘Loto’ by John Pule.
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A fighting shield from Papua New Guinea with The Phantom hangs in the living room. Peter Robinson’s untitled piece hangs on the entrance wall. The ‘Risom’ lounge chairs are by Jens Risom for Knoll and the ‘Saarinen’ coffee table is by Eero Saarinen.
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The view of the courtyard from the back lawn.
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‘The Bosom of Abraham’ lightboxes by Michael Parekowhai hang in the living room.
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An ‘Eames Lounge’ chair by Charles and Ray Eames sits before ‘Black Union Jack’ (1986) by Ralph Hotere in the main bedroom.
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The ‘Whakatauki’ triptych in the downstairs bedroom is by Reuben Paterson.
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Floor plan
Words by: Sam Eichblatt. Photography by: Emily Andrews.
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