By GNR Studio
A large minimalist courtyard house sits on a sub-urban site in Greenhithe. Two imposing metallic cuboids, their front faces punched with large windows, are perched over a soft timber base. The steel cladding has a distinct profile, with tall slender ribs wrapping themselves around the form. Vertical cedar weatherboards clad the base, and along the front face their rhythm is slowed as they space apart to reveal a glimpse of a sitting room and a bright courtyard behind. It is filled with flaxes, palms, stones and shells, and a small pond meanders its way around. The courtyard is surrounded by vast glass doors which open to allow access to the sitting room, library, and a third large space housing the living room, dining area and kitchen. In the centre of this space is planted a beautiful hardwood staircase with glass balustrades and an elegant steel structure. Looking outside, a wood burning fireplace straddles the edge of a large, openable louvred roof and swimming pool glistens in the distance.
Greg Turner
BArch Registered Architect
Greg graduated from Auckland Architecture school in 1991. Since then he has been involved in a wide range of projects including large scale mixed use (retail/civic and residential) commercial, industrial, education, civic, residential both new build and alterations/ additions. He has practiced as an architect in New Zealand for 15 years and in the UK for 5 years and has developed a unique freehand approach to quickly present ideas and resolve design issues. Greg has also provided concept and illustration work to other architects and designers over the years.
Rhondda Turner
BArch Registered Architect
Rhondda graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from Auckland University in 1994. She has over 20 years architectural experience in both design and project management, with the last 2 years as a registered architect. Rhondda became a full-time partner of GNR Studio in 2012. She is currently working on a number of multi-lot residential development projects responsible for concept and developed design. Prior to registration she was involved in design and building consent documentation for both new build and residential alterations projects across Auckland.
During 2007/ 2008 Rhondda worked part time checking plans for Auckland Council and so has a detailed understanding of the New Zealand Building Code and regulatory environment.
Rhondda’s experience extends into Project Management on government led projects in London and Auckland. Project Manager for the South-East London Shared Service Partnership involved in setting up and coordinating project teams for the creation of Childcare and Children Centres, an initiative rolled out through the National Health Service. In New Zealand Rhondda worked as a Project Manager on a number of projects for the Ministry of Social Development including office fit-outs for Child, Youth and Family Centres.