The brief was to design a large family dwelling with a guest house.

The site is rather challenging, situated within the back-lot down through a long driveway, controlled by numerous of planning overlays.

Vegetation at the front portion of the site must be maintained and protected, which allowed for a spacious, lush arrival court.

The space flows with the continuation of the materials, from the exterior to the foyer, then further in as feature backdrops; A seamless flow horizontally and vertically.

The natural cedar cladding above harmonized with the brick below with a simple L-shape to overcome the Heritage & Special Character Overlay.

The building height was restricted to the Viewshaft & Height Sensitive Overlay; This was compensated by a double-height foyer, which incorporates an open living on the upper level with direct access to the north-facing balcony, due to the unbuildable steep drop, but provides a beautiful 180 panoramic view.

The selected interior finish palette also reflects the exterior, being raw and natural. For example, the cedar curved wall in the foyer against the rawness of the concrete and exposed steelwork; The cedar against the stone in the kitchen and bathroom.

Overall, it is a fine balance between void vs solidity, function vs form, and material vs nature.

Brief:

A three-lot subdivision with three-level standalone dwellings.

Site Information:

800m2 lot size within a Mixed Housing Urban Zone.

Site Constraints & Opportuities:

The land slopes in two directions, both lengthwise and across its width; Distant views are available to the west and to the street front north. Typical urban setting, surrounded by neighboring properties on all three sides.

Design Response:

Three unique custom designs are tailored individually yet interconnected through shared design elements, finishes, and building forms.

The lower two levels feature a solid structure that anchors the building, while the top level is set back and adorned with a contrasting finish to minimize the overall height and mass.

These standalone dwellings are strategically spaced apart to avoid a bulky appearance. Limited openings are placed on the west side to preserve privacy from the neighboring properties at a higher elevation. Simultaneously, the design maximizes views to the north and west, maintaining privacy between households through the use of privacy laser-cut screens.

Each dwelling’s total floor area is approximately 270m2, featuring a double garage, five bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, an open L/K/D. Outdoor living spaces include a ground-level deck and a covered balcony on the first level.

‘ Imaginative planning and clever fabrication have produced the Beach Road development that responds effectively to local site context, and of course, to clients’ requirements.

While tight physical and technical parameters put a premium on efficiency, we have managed to achieve spatial delights, sea view captivation, and functional and pleasant living environments for each household. The design delivers many solutions and unexpected moments.

Following the contour of the site, an assemblage of garages is oriented south and situated in a semi-basement arrangement, while both indoor and outdoor living areas are elevated and oriented north towards Castor Bay.

The material approach pursued on the exterior was carefully selected to fulfil their purposes as urban retreats, with boldly concrete blocks at the base, in contrast with the textured and warm cedar on the lighter top. While each dwelling is individually sculpted for its own characters, they are unified by the undulating tectonic plates in subtlety screed over three storeys, across the site.

With skill, imagination, and discipline, we try to create meaningful spaces that will stand the test of time, through a well-balanced play of spaces, textural qualities, and natural lights. ‘

Every project's uniqueness is formed by the client's brief and the distinct features of the site.

A suburban residence in Pinehill consists of a main dwelling and a minor dwelling intertwining along the site's stretched frontage within a cul-de-sac, unified under a single monolithic roof that complements the natural contours.

Our client, a skilled graphic designer, has been an active collaborator at every stage, infusing the project with their passion and personal touch. We firmly believe that successful outcomes are rooted in the trust and partnership between the client and the architect.

Discover tranquility amidst urban living in the heart of Greenlane with this 9-unit development of terraced houses.

Positioned at a bustling intersection, the homes are artfully concealed by lush, fully-grown trees, offering a serene oasis within the city's vibrant rhythm.

https://www.thewentworth.co.nz/