Armstrong House

This was the second "round" house with central atrium designed by Ian Burrow Architects for the Armstrongs, the first being Greenhith in Auckland. Unfortunately, the Greenhithe house was on a 10acre block and was bought by a developer. The land was subsequently subdivided, and the house demolished. The Kerikeri house, although very similar to the Greenhithe house, is strictly "teardrop" shop, allowing a garage to be positioned in the rectangular corner of the teardrop. The overall design is around a circular atrium with a large glazed roof, with a planted area, water feature, and a grand piano in the centre. The atrium is utilitarian as well, being the access to all rooms - there are no halls or corridors. Construction employs large timber poles and beams supporting the timber framed and sarked roof, which is sheathed with copper tapered tray roofing. All walls, interiors and exterior, are finished with traditional plaster on the timber framing, with a paint finish. The site has been extensively landscaped with thousands of trees and plants and includes a lake with a jetty, and a Japanese garden complete with bridge.