Winner of a Commended Award at the 2018 ADNZ Resene Architectural Design awards.
After securing a stunning piece of land overlooking the tranquil Pauatahanui inlet, our client’s engaged us to design them a large modern home that encompassed both their current and future requirements.
A long-term family home that has both architectural presence and functionality.
The large, gently sloping site provided the environmental inspiration, and challenges, for the creation of this luxurious modern home. It consists of three interconnecting rectangular forms, carefully positioned in order to take best advantage of passive heating and cooling benefits. It sits elevated at the rear of the site, and spans its width in order to maximise views to the north.
Low-slung and sprawling, the spacious home is thoughtfully laid out to create a natural division of zones. The large split-level family wing incorporates two living rooms, kitchen (with scullery), dining, and opens out to both north and west facing outdoor areas, to be enjoyed in different conditions and times of day. High pop-up ceilings have been used to create light and bright living spaces, without an overuse of glass. A schist lined indoor garden adds texture and lushness to the space.
Anticipating their future family, the clients required a master suite away from other bedrooms. We created a second storey oasis, that not only gives privacy but also takes advantage of views over the inlet and hills. As well as the large master bedroom, ensuite with elevated bath and double shower, generous walk in dressing room, there is also a nursery that could later become a private office.
On the main level, three additional bedrooms, bathrooms and laundry can be found, as well as an office space with a built-in cantilevered oak desk. Behind the triple garage, a large multi-purpose ‘studio’ has been created, the use of which will no doubt change with the client’s needs.
A modern family home designed to withstand the environmental elements.
Sitting in both a sea-spray corrosion and very high wind zone, sound proofing and material choice have been carefully selected. A dark plaster render finish forms the outer shell of the building, and was chosen for both its monolithic aesthetic and low maintenance requirements. A contrasting ‘inner’ layer of horizontal cedar weatherboards, add warmth, texture and intricacy to the overall form of the building.
This project was completed in November 2017.
“From the outset it was clear the partnership between James, Susie and ourselves was going to be instrumental in ensuring our project was what we’d dreamed it would be. With James’ attention to detail and Susie’s can-do approach to everything, we felt we were in good hands when we started the design for out ‘forever’ home.
Both the design and building processes for us were stress free, each step was kept simple and methodical so that at no point did we feel overwhelmed with decisions. We were kept well informed at each stage and felt we had ample input into the look and feel of our completed home, in line with our own vision but also given invaluable guidance to ensure the end product was aesthetically pleasing to both the trained and untrained eye.
James, Susie and their team were all so approachable, down to earth and delivered to us a beautiful well designed home that we are so thrilled to be living in each day.”
