Arnold Residence


Brief/Challenges: The brief was to design a basement rumpus room at the front and theadditional Living/Dining area at the rear of the property.

The design challenge was to introduce the atmosphere of modern living co- exists with the heritage driven design expectations of Local Authority. The construction challenge was to find appropriate construction system to counter the presence of groundwater.

Construction: The traditional timber-framed construction for the addition at the rear addition to match the existing construction method with specifically designed steel portal to provide large openings.

Concrete block retaining wall with full tanking (waterproofing) at basement to counter constant static hydraulic pressure from seasonal ground water.

Design: The large raking ceiling with seamless opening leading outside provides sense of openness towards bushy rear garden.

Curved retaining wall with stepped garden leading to the basement rumpus room provides both privacy and coziness, whilst maintaining heritage street frontage.

TYPE heritage/ residential / alteration/ extension
Location Ponsonby, Auckland
Status Ressource Consent approved, Building Consent approved awaiting construction.