It’s all about connectivity in this warm, moody Westmere home that turns its back on the world and puts family firmly at its heart. A response to the 100 year-old Pohutukawa tree, the L-shaped home wraps around a grassy internal courtyard where you gain a sense you’re in a private cocoon. Inside, the material language is rich and sophisticated. Black panelled walls in the entry are juxtaposed with lighter, sunlit spaces. There’s a walnut acoustic ceiling and walnut cabinetry in the kitchen, dining and living space with surprising pops of colour in hidden spaces. The grain of the timberwork and textures are brought out in granite benchtops. The lofty kitchen is the lynchpin that connects to all spaces including a covered outdoor dining space which flows to the lawn. All rooms converse with each other. From the kitchen you can see the children playing on the lawn or talk to friends in the lounge.

This project was awarded a New Zealand Institute of Architects NZIA Housing award. It has been published in Urbis, Home, Architecture Now and Homestyle.