Eden Roc

An experiment in speculative development with architectural integrity, Eden Roc was designed primarily as an idiosyncratic family home of our own, however, was also intended as an investment property with the objective to move on to new projects after a few years of occupying. Without wanting to conform to the generic tendencies of the developer market however, the home is: angular, eclectic, bold and colourful while remaining functional, high performing and responsive to site and brief. With restrictive recession planes, a typically elevated-hilly Wellington site, several property easements, tight access, development covenants, high wind and exposure zoning, and a beautiful northwest aspect, an irregular Z shape plan over two stories was conceived to accommodate four bedrooms, three bathrooms, open plan living, separate lounge, double car garaging, utility/laundry room and covered outdoor living.    The private driveway access allowed a minimal setback from the street and the front elevation responds with a minimal white rendered masonry wall and geometric entrance canopy, contrasted with a deeply recessed carport clad in dark cedar to create a strong positive-negative composition on the first arrival. Rhythmic cedar screens offer privacy and mediate solar gain on the north elevation; an extruded cedar-clad structure is suspended over a terraced outdoor living space to the west, and a cantilevered deck wrapped in cedar louvres further continues the architectural language of the exterior form.  The interiors are robust with black float finished floors throughout, exposed/painted masonry walls and ply ceilings. The material and colour palette are eclectic; black/white, clear Oak, an Ombre of green hues, deep blue and pops of colour from textiles. Built-in cabinetry helps define the living areas with reference to principles from the mid-century along with vintage and contemporary furniture rounding out the vibrant but refined spaces.  While large expanses of sliding aluminium joinery take in the last of the setting sun and view the home enjoys high degrees of thermal comfort due to large amounts of thermal mass, solar shading, internal air tightness barriers, high spec insulation, heat recovery ventilation and underfloor heating.