Description:

The house is situated in a suburb located near the central city which has a diverse range of housing stock. In the face of ongoing urbanization and densification, a critical challenge to be confronted is creating family homes on these smaller in-fill sites that, despite being surrounded by neighbours, offer a sense of seclusion and retreat from the bustle of everyday life.
This particular site presented several constraints, with the building platform limited to a single, relatively small location (footprint of 85m2) and a 15-degree slope. The design objective was to expand and utilize the existing mature trees and optimize sunlight exposure.
This involved orienting the house to turn away from the southern neighbours and focus on the surrounding greenery to create an open aspect, despite the proximity. The inherent verticality of the site required us to build upwards to maximize space. This prompted an exploration of vertical architectural language, breaking up the structure into various boxes and elements that recede and undulate, achieving a dynamic push-and-pull effect to create proportion and angulation.
The vertical rhythm of the brick pilasters were integral to the design, inspiring continuous patterning iteration. The undulating pattern was developed to integrate different levels and materials and creates a beautiful interplay of light and shadow throughout the day as the sun moves around the house.
The arrival sequence engages with the home’s volumetric playfulness. The intimate soft brick entry space embraces upon arrival, with a warm timber ceiling that envelops before opening up into a spacious, light-filled volume. The home utilizes a rich restful palate of materials that resonate with a desire to connect with nature. The focus on materials and craftsmanship ensures enduring longevity.
The large aperture, extends upward to capture views of the trees, maintaining the theme of verticality. The colonnade pattern of openings was designed to mitigate solar gain—a common issue in Auckland's hot summers—while also introducing a striking colonnade rhythm. Given the limited site and usable outdoor space, the large lounge area was strategically integrated as a quasi-outdoor space. When the large doors open, it feels as though you are immersed in nature, with birds singing and light dancing through the trees. It has a tangible tranquillity.
The outdoor space around the drive has proven more popular than anticipated, especially with the children, who frequently run up and down the stairs, moving seamlessly between the deck and garden below. This design ensures that even while playing outside, they remain close and connected.
Overall, the goal was to create a home that evoked a warm, memorable atmosphere for the children to cherish, as the memory of a family home endures a lifetime.