COURTYARD HOUSE

Year
01/04/2022

Location
Wanaka, NZ

This Mid-Century Dream Residence was a project born from a vision that blended classic mid-century aesthetics with a contemporary twist. Being invited to be part of this endeavour felt like stepping into a dream. At its core, this residence exudes the timeless charm of mid-century design. The clients had a clear vision for the interior courtyard—a central oasis surrounded by 339m² of living space, accessible only from within the house. This ingenious design choice seamlessly incorporates nature into the construction, creating an atmosphere where inhabitants feel a connection to the outdoors while enjoying the comforts of home. The courtyard serves a dual purpose by creating a natural division between the main living area and the master bedroom, effectively forming the Children’s wing of the house. This thoughtful spatial arrangement adds a unique layer of functionality and privacy to the residence.

The project posed engineering challenges, particularly concerning the steel superstructure in the living room, which extends gracefully into the alfresco-covered outdoor fire area. With ceiling-high joinery, the boundaries between the interior and exterior spaces blur, offering residents a fluid and immersive living experience. Throughout the residence, internal schist walls grace the hallway, paying homage to the classic Central Otago aesthetic. These timeless details serve as a nod to the region’s rich architectural heritage.

Externally, the residence is adorned with vertically fixed cedar weatherboards, adding warmth and texture to the facade. A corten steel rainscreen wraps around the perimeter of the parapet roof, creating a striking contrast with the natural surroundings. The Mid-Century Dream Residence is not just a house; it’s a haven for the entire family. It encapsulates the essence of mid-century design, marrying form and function to create a living space that is as beautiful as it is practical. This project was a labor of love, a testament to visionary design, and a space that will undoubtedly serve generations to come.

YELLOW POTS APARTMENTS

Year
28/09/2021

Location
Wanaka, NZ

“Yellow Pots” is an innovative residential development located in Wanaka, featuring two apartment buildings, each housing two units. Within the compact 252m² footprint of the two buildings, we successfully designed and created eight bedrooms, eight bathrooms, four living rooms, and four kitchens. The challenge was to maximise space efficiency while ensuring a comfortable and appealing living environment.

The buildings are clad with a brick veneer finish in black, a nod to the original client’s vision of the project resembling a “spaceship”. Apartment B’s distinctive angular design elements were also inspired by this vision. Although certain details, such as the black steel mesh grill and corten steel shrouds around the joinery didn’t make it to the final construction due to budget constraints, we remained committed to fulfilling the core elements of the client’s brief.

One striking interior choice was the decision to paint the entire interior in black—a bold move that generated curiosity and intrigue. The result was extraordinary, evoking a sense of luxurious depth and sophistication. This unconventional choice contributed to creating an exceptional and unforgettable living experience.

Despite the project’s limited space, we successfully delivered high-value accommodation, catering to numerous guests while ensuring privacy and comfortable living. The “Yellow Pots” development stands as a testament to our commitment to innovative design and problem-solving, resulting in a space that complements the natural beauty of Wanaka. I am proud to have designed this development, and I am confident that it will provide a remarkable experience for countless visitors to beautiful Wanaka.

Mt. Aspiring retreAT

Year
13/10/2019

Location
Wanaka, NZ

Nestled on the outskirts of Wanaka, toward Glendu Bay, the Mt. Aspiring Retreat is a testament to spacious, modern design and aesthetic elegance. This 2-bedroom retreat is a tranquil oasis that offers both sanctuary and stunning views of Mt. Aspiring.

The retreat’s design revolves around a steel portal frame and a large ridge beam, creating a sense of grandeur with a full-height raking gable ceiling. Large glass windows dominate the front of the house, inviting the breathtaking views of Mt. Aspiring into every corner of the living space.

Situated on an established property with a main house and workshop, this addition serves as a serene space to escape to. The existing property’s well-planned landscaping and strategically placed trees form a natural setting for the retreat while preserving unobstructed views of Mt. Aspiring.

The project required innovative engineering solutions to incorporate three black powder-coated portal frames that extend seamlessly from the gable roofline while maintaining the same pitch. Collaborative efforts with the engineers were instrumental in securing these portal frames with minimal fixings. Additionally, vertical steel fins adorn the entry wall, adding a touch of architectural sophistication.

An oversized cavity slider separates the upper bedroom from the rest of the space, creating a luxurious mezzanine—a perfect spot to relax with a book and soak in the panoramic views.

The house is clad with Rosenfeld Kidson vertical cedar weatherboards, adding warmth and texture to the exterior. The roof is graced with wide tray roofing, ensuring durability and protection against the elements.

Cardrona village APARTMENTS

Year
08/09/2020

Location
Cardrona, NZ

Over the course of the past five years, I have had the privilege of collaborating with our esteemed client onthe Cardrona Village Apartments project. This journey, though deliberate, has been immensely rewarding. The Arcadia Apartments represent the initial phase of this ambitious undertaking. Comprising five standalone, two-story dwellings, each featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms, they stand as a harmonious blend of contemporary design and the traditional Cardrona valley aesthetic. These apartments are a true labor of love, built to withstand the test of time.

The apartments’ design ethos embraces a contemporary alpine style that pays homage to the valley’s rich heritage. I have carefully crafted dwellings that are not only well-appointed but also remarkably efficient, with each apartment totalling a modest 93m² in total for both floors. The cladding choices, including Metalkraft T Rib trapezoidal roofing in a sleek black finish, and vertically fixed Abodo thermally modified weatherboards, seamlessly blend into the surrounding landscape.