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Located in suburban Mt Maunganui, the existing site had a gradual slope heading away from the road to an existing level backyard behind an existing Huntly brick house built in 1950-60’s. The existing house was organised in a traditional manner where the habitable spaces were located in the upper first level divorced from the ground due to the lower basement garaging below. Due to the nature of the surrounding properties, the site offered no potential views of the ocean beyond or views of Macao, however, the site did offer delightful views over the road to existing mature pohutukawa trees that border the Mt Maunganui Primary School playing fields. 

The client’s brief is for a four-bedroom home to accommodate their extended family and large boat. In response to the brief, our design approach was to create separate outdoor courtyard areas divided by a central living area which all share views of the pohutukawa trees across the road. The boat garage has been intentionally stacked behind the garage to discretely park the boat and maximise the width of the living area to open views of the pohutukawa trees through the house. From the road, the setback position of the house and the formation of a raised front outdoor courtyard provides a sense of sanctuary from the prying eyes of pedestrians and reduces building's visual bulk from the road.

Our client produces concrete agricultural and building products, so from any early stage using the materiality of concrete was part of the client’s initial brief, as this provided cost efficiencies for our client. On this basis, the primary construction topography is pre-cast concrete panels, using a mixture of insulated and non-insulated panels. Due to the coastal location, the assessment of additional exterior material selections was particularly concerned about avoiding high maintenance materials, that would corrode or require regular painting or recoating. For both external and internal the remaining material selections were assessed around providing balance to the inherent nature of the concrete to often feel cold and drab.

Photography by Simon Devitt

Architecture Bureau
Waikato
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We believe people are at the heart of design, and bringing great design to our clients and communities we work with is our ultimate goal. Our practice is inspired by developing innovative ideas that are generated from the positive relationships with our clients. We also endeavour to ensure the experience of working with us is satisfying and memorable.

We remain flexible and communicative throughout the entire design and construction process to ensure that our design solutions reflect the needs and desires of our clients. We believe the creation of a design solution is not a solitary stoke of genius: but the result of a process that involves early ideas being tested, discussed, drawn and modelled, then re-considered and re-developed, to create a unique project that suits our clients’ brief and location.

The successful delivery of a project is not only possible by innovative design but includes sound technical solutions, thorough comprehensive documentation and strong collaborative relationships with fellow consultants and contractors. We receive consistent praise from contractors and consultants about our documentation, which results in fewer on-site variations and more control of the final project cost.

Our practice endeavours to focus attention on every detail throughout a project, and our work ranges in scale, type and budget.

Architecture Bureau Ltd is a Practice Member of the New Zealand Institute of Architects.