Allum Street
By Dorrington Atcheson Architects
Faceted and angular, with splayed walls and a saw-tooth roof, this home’s geometry was set by a challenging site in Auckland’s Kohimarama. The section slopes steeply to the south while to the north a tall, monolithic structure overlooks it.
The dwelling was divided into three main volumes, then twisted and shaped to comply with height-to-boundary rules. Spaces in between form mini courtyards, including one slivered into that important northern aspect.
Industrial and purposeful, the material palette features tilt-slab concrete walls. These blades define voids which are filled with full-height glazing. Steel roof trusses are reminiscent of a factory while plywood ceilings soften the aesthetic.
The entry offers the drama of a stairway edged in a raw-steel balustrade. There’s a sense of discovery as it steps down to the dining room, with a hint of the living room beyond.
The kitchen, an insertion into the main volume, is based on an idea from the Case Study houses. Encased in a dark-stained Strandboard block, the yellow cabinetry within is a happy surprise.
Photographer
Emma-Jane Hetherington
Products used in
Allum Street
Professionals used in
Allum Street
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Dorrington Atcheson Architects
About the
Professional
Twenty years of experience coupled with an enduring spirit of youthful enthusiasm is the yin-yang balance that makes Dorrington Atcheson Architects a team that has produced so many award-winning buildings for their clients.
While every project calls for a fresh eye and an innovative approach, directors Tim Dorrington and Sam Atcheson also draw upon their considerable experience within the New Zealand marketplace.
Specialising in residential design, but with a proven track record in retail and office environments, this boutique company has quietly made their mark on the built environment, winning several NZIA awards.
Their methodology is highly collaborative, so while DAA favours contemporary design that takes its cue from mid-century modernism, its role is not to dictate but to engage with the requirements of home-owners and clients. Responding to site, budget and idiosyncrasies is all in a day’s work.
This honest approach is reflected in the materiality of their buildings where natural products are celebrated. Dorrington Atcheson Architects design functional spaces with measured proportions, a simplicity of structure and just enough surprise to delight.
- Year founded2005
- ArchiPro Member since2014
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