Mountain View Retreat - Wānaka

Set against the alpine landscape of Wānaka, the Mountain View Retreat Residence combines large scale glazing, thermal performance, and refined architectural detailing to create a home designed for comfort, openness and connection to its environment.

Project Overview

The Mountain View Retreat Residence is a benchmark example of how advanced glazing can define both the performance and architectural identity of a luxury residential dwelling.

Designed by Johnston Architects and delivered in collaboration with E13 Performance Windows, Metro Performance Glass was the glass processor, manufacturer, supplier and installer, delivering a fully integrated glazing solution tailored to the demanding alpine conditions of Wānaka.

This project pushed the limits of residential glazing through large format triple glazed units, complex rooflight systems, and precision engineered sliding façades, all working together to create a home that is thermally efficient, structurally robust and visually seamless.

The result is a residence where glass is not simply an element - but a primary performance system and architectural feature, enabling a refined balance between exposure and protection, openness and control.

Unique Project Requirements

Delivering the project required advanced manufacturing capability and highly coordinated installation. Oversized glazing panels reaching up to four metres high and spanning up to 14 metres pushed the limits of residential glass handling, transport and installation. Our Therma Light™ Triple glazing units with double Low E coatings were carefully engineered to provide high thermal performance without compromising clarity or structural integrity.

The Wānaka location introduced additional logistical challenges, with oversized units requiring specialist transport planning and on site stick framing to enable installation. Large sliding systems also demanded millimetre perfect alignment to ensure smooth operation, weather tightness, and long term durability across significant spans.

Throughout the home, glazing was carefully integrated with thermally broken framing, warm roof systems, and high performance insulation to create a cohesive environmental solution. The finished result is a technically sophisticated home that balances openness, protection and architectural refinement within a challenging alpine environment.

Photo Credit: John Williams

Gallery