Project team
- Masano Kawana Photography
- Masano Kawana Photography NZ
The Belmont Road House is a masterfully conceived corporate residence by CSYA, designed to embody historical continuity while embracing modern tropical living. Inspired by the colonial era when large entourages were hosted in grand estates, the architect, Sonny Chan, reinvented the "colonial black-and-white" typology for a contemporary context. Situated on an elevated, T-shaped plot within a tree conservation area, the design was strategically generated to respond to two significant existing trees, resulting in a large, expansive garden courtyard.
The architecture features a series of light, glass-enclosed volumes and deep overhangs that facilitate panoramic views and natural cooling. An ingenious basement car park forecourt relieves pressure on the public roadway, while the private wing floats above, offering an intimate connection to the lush surroundings. Through the sophisticated use of timber, stone, and water, Belmont Road House stands as a serene architectural statement that balances monumental scale with a deeply rooted sense of place.
Key Design Features:
Colonial Reinvention: A modern interpretation of the historic black-and-white bungalow, bridging past and present.
Tree-Responsive Planning: A T-shaped layout designed around significant conserved trees to create an expansive garden heart.
Sustainable Connectivity: Strategic orientation and wide eaves that optimize natural cross-ventilation and minimize heat gain.
Integrated Water Features: A central swimming pool and reflective ponds that provide visual cooling and anchor the home’s social spaces.
- Building style
- Modern
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