Volume, light and view are the focus and characteristics of the interior spaces, with living, guest bedroom and facilities on the lower level. Half a flight up yet still connected visually to the lower floor through a beautifully detailed open rise staircase is an entertainment room with pool table. The room opens out onto a deck that looks out over the street from behind the timber screen on one side and gets a glimpse of the water on the other.
The upper floor consists of two bedrooms which share a bathroom and the main bedroom with a lounge/office, ensuite and walk in wardrobe. The main bedroom and office/lounge opens onto a deck with extensive views out into the gulf.
Materials are kept simple and they provide the colour and texture in the house; dark stained plywood cladding, dark stained timber screens on the interior and exterior, the rich red of the northern box floor and cabintery, concrete coloured bagged blockwork and honed concrete.
The soft and hard landscaping needed to be strong and simple in order to stand up to the house. A gabion basket fence behind a bed of holly was decided on to discourage taggers but also provide a contrast to the timber. A galvanised angled reinforcing rod gate allows security but still allows views through into the entry courtyard rather than presenting a solid face to the street. Three Kazuka’s located in a planter adjacent to the entry in front of the timber screen have rounded layered forms and give a Japanese flavour to the exterior of the building.
Awards:
NZ Institute of Architects Local Award 2010
Home of the Year 2008 Finalist
Photography:
Simon Devitt Photographer