Bellevue Residence

The core concept for this design is seamless contact with the natural surrounds yet sheltering from city life.

The brief was to make the most of the site and the views. The house is tucked away at the far end of a cul-de-sac, elevated on one side but sloping down to a valley with by native bush. From some angles you can see the city of Tauranga but only if you choose to. The windows are use to frame the different views and work as picture frames for the interior.
The design of the house follows the natural terrain, stepping down towards the valley, thus minimizing excavation and fill.

The gable ends and entry area (which connects the double garage with the rest of the house) are the main design features, made in timber with a plywood finish, decorated with battens (in two different widths) in random lengths. Their dark stain finish to contrast with the light coloured plaster finish on the rest of the house.

Another main feature is the asymmetrical roof shape, with a 40° pitch roof on one side and  a 15° pitch on the other side. This was done to keep the proportions of the living and kitchen area  intimate.

The buildings orientation not only offers residents views to the natural outlook, but more importantly, makes the most of the changing sun and shade. Insulated concrete floors and an ICF wall system further add to the thermal efficiency of the structure, thus needing minimum heating and cooling devices. In terms of exterior living spaces, the two ‘internal’ covered patios mean residents have a choice of areas depending on the time of day and season, private and intimate or open and communal. Both link to the kitchen area to maintain effective flow and practicality.

From the privacy of the bedrooms and bathrooms you step down to kitchen, patio and office level and further down to the lounge and dining area. With large glass doors the living space seems to flow into the valley.

Since the ceiling level stays the same and the building steps down the section, the internal ceilings gradually increase in height, from 2.4m to 2.9m to a vast 4.9m raking ceiling to the Lounge /Dining areas. The charcoal grey paint colour emphasises the asymmetrical angel of the ceiling yet also brings the room into proportion, offering a level of intimacy that was an important part of the brief.

The  spacious and open house allows many different angles of views to present themselves from the central area.  It is inviting but still private and sheltered.

The interior design supports the light and open feeling of the spaces, in contrast with the solidity of the ICF walls. It is a continuation of the exterior architectural design in every way, from colour to material selection.

The interior spaces were designed to capture light and views. The various angles offer contrast and interest as you move throughout the spaces. Ultimately, this house heightens the sense of time, day and season.