Apartment 41
By MC Architecture Studio
This three storey mixed-use building stands in the Sumner Village, Christchurch, occupying the ground floor as a hospitality space open to Nayland Street, and the first and second floors as a single apartment which take advantage of the surrounding scenic view.
The volume does not intend to compete with the surrounding buildings in its form, yet the taller height gives it an empowering presence. Standing tall above its neighbours required that each elevation be treated as a visible façade/canvas. All four elevations have a high level of detailing, each highlighting the rhythm and movement created on the frontage of Nayland Street. This southern street façade aimed to bring rhythm to the street front through the geometric folds of the Corten steel panelling and the wave pattern seen in the vertical fins that run up the wall from the footpath canopy. Sculptural steel grids line the east and west facades, which create a shading effect on the clean white plaster cladding that evolve the building with the sun throughout the day.
The northern balcony on the top floor cuts into the overall mass of the building. A timber pergola reaches over this space, framing the continuity of the overall form, and once more offers a sense of movement and rhythm in its construction where independent members intentional misalign.
In the design process of this mixed-use building, top priority was given to the residential apartments high performing internal environment. This space is airtight with heat exchanger mechanical ventilation, acoustic treatment to walls, triple glazed timber windows with aluminium outside facings and utilises the chimney effect for natural cooling through the skylights, creating a highly comfortable interior space with noise cancellation from the busy street below. A balance has also been found in designing for optimal access to the surrounding scenic views of the southern hill-scape and ocean to the north, while still preserving the privacy of the interior to protect the residents from the busy surrounding buildings and streets below.
Photography Credit: Home Owner
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MC Architecture Studio (MCAS) works from an uncompromising commitment to innovative, distinctive design and outstanding client service. Each project is unique and is tailored to the specific challenges of the physical site and the precise functionality required by the client. Sensitivity to the wider potential of design is key to the studio process, incorporating awareness of innovative materials and practices as well as aligning with all sustainable features and methods possible within the context of each project. MCAS works closely and consistently in partnership with clients and consultants, responding to needs and maintaining a global outlook that nurtures industry leadership.
Max was exposed to the foundations of design from an early age and worked at his father’s practice in his native Rome. He completed a Masters in architecture and later established his own practice also in Rome. In 2007 he moved to New Zealand and worked with Athfield Architects before establishing MC Architecture Studio ltd.
Collaboration is a consistent feature of the studio and Max is committed to developing local and international networks to cross-pollinate ideas and maintain his connection and currency with best practice and new conceptual thinking. He strongly believes that interaction develops professionalism and human potential.
Although strongly influenced by European standards, processes and aesthetics, Max takes inspiration from many sources. He has travelled extensively and completed his master’s thesis in India where he explored low cost housing. Inspiration comes also from sports and the natural environment - the ocean and the mountains particularly – as well as music and arts.
Max is passionate about built environments that attract and inspire- whether as a public civic building, a retail space or that most personal of buildings – one’s own home.