An Artists Studio in New Lynn by Jane Waldegrave Architect

ArchiPro Project Summary - A thoughtfully designed artists' studio in New Lynn, featuring two studio spaces, a covered deck, and a seamless connection to the main house, reflecting a bicultural approach and fostering a sense of kinship through its innovative architectural elements.

Title:: An Artists Studio in New Lynn
Architect:: Jane Waldegrave Architect
Category:: Commercial/; Office

This is an ancillary building with two studio spaces and a covered deck between. It sits alongside the main house with a connecting deck and entry into the house. A concrete ramp runs up to the deck. The building sits on concrete foundation walls or 'fins' and cantilevers beyond them at each end. The cladding is Ecoply Shadowclad. Top hung face sliding timber doors are used to enter the studios and main house. The positioning of the building on the site allows the sunlight into the main house through the internal deck between the two studios

This was achieved on a low budget.

From the client’s brief, her artistic work and our discussions the following conceptual framework emerged and is the basis of the design.

The studio building reflects the clients’ bicultural approach to life referencing both Maori architecture and the European bungalow it sits next to. The design of this building has the long gable of the meeting house on one side and a shorter gable on the other giving it it’s own style. and also making sure it does not fit into either camp.

Another aspect is that a Maori house (wharenui) is seen as a body in itself, a living being with ribs (the rafters) and a spine (a ridge pole). This design has the exposed rafters to express the notion of the ribs of the wharenui. The walls of the internal deck do the work of the ‘spine’.

A third aspect is that whanau, whanaungatanga, is a sense of kinship or a sense of family connection. This is reflected in the positioning of the little house facing towards the big house indicating an affectionate relationship between them, similar to the older sibling / younger sibling relationship. This idea is supported with the deck, concrete ramp and face sliding doors providing a strong connection between them; the floor level of the studio is at the same level as the house; the deck and new entry link the ‘centre’ of the main house to the central or creative work space of the studio. COMMENTS FROM THE NEW OWNER: ‘Its such a divine space to live in and the flow from the main house is pure genius. We count our blessings every day to be living in such an inspired home and studio.’

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Professionals used

Jane Waldegrave ArchitectArchitects

Jane Waldegrave Architect

Architects

Auckland

janewaldegravearchitect.com

Jane Waldegrave Architect. I established my practice, Jane Waldegrave Architect Ltd, in 2011. I share an office with a collective of architects in Pt Chevalier. We share resources, ideas and skills. ‘Architecture that lifts people’s spirits’ The bulk of my work is residential projects, alterations and small works. I believe that good spaces make a difference in people’s lives. I value a collaborative process, where possible, with clients and contractors, to achieve an outcome that works for all those involved. For me, architecture is about good spaces and interesting buildings. I want to be more involved in the area of affordable house design and think that architects should have a higher profile in NZ and be more involved in the political and planning aspects of the current housing crisis. I am also interested how house design could better cater for the large range of different family types and combinations that exist today. The 3 bedroom house is good for mum, dad and 2 kids but not for many other ‘family’ groupings. I have a special interest in the design of live / work extended ‘family’ housing arrangements.