Description:

Waimauku House was designed by the architect for her family. Located on a rolling 10 acre site in the countryside northwest of Auckland, the design set out to create a light-filled home that integrated harmoniously into the surrounding landscape.
The house was designed as split level to follow the natural contours of the land. A continuous ceiling height creates an increased volume and scale as you descend into the living areas which expand to allow full view of the natural environment and large trees beyond. Attention was paid to sun angles which allow sun directly into the living spaces during winter and shaded protection in the summer. Strong axial lines draw the eye out into the landscape whist a lineal hallway dissects the house into two parts- precast concrete on the southern side softened by the garden and landscape, and cedar weatherboards on the north - a response to thermal efficiency and materials chosen for their protection and privacy, or lightness and warmth. A lap pool further stretches the house towards surrounding bush.
Exterior spaces create a series of outdoor rooms, places for reflection or gathering, each as extensions to the interior of the house whilst providing a collection of options for outdoor immersion in differing weather conditions.
Scale, materiality, sun, shelter, openness all affect a sense of comfort and calm. The spaces nurture and accommodate a growing family and adapt over time as needs for togetherness or separation evolve. The house is a haven for its occupants, a place of security and happiness. In essence the house strives to become part of the family- an additional member which binds all together, a protector, a creator of memories.
Open spaces allow a collectiveness. Room to share and gather together. A nucleus for the family or a stage for larger gatherings.
Materials were chosen for their durability, performance and natural state along with their ability to compliment each other. There was a desire for the house to age well. For the materials to wear in and openly show the effects of the lives lived around them.