By Andesite Architects
Fisher Parade House
Role: Concept Design through to Contruction Observation.
The project was an alterations and additions to an existing house to create a spacious and contemporary design for a family home with good views overlooking the Farm Cove waterfront. Options to remove and rebuild or to renovate the existing house were considered. We decided to retain part of the existing brick walls as the most sustainable design approach. In areas where extension work was involved, existing walls were demolished and replaced by combination of new concrete masonry walls and timber framed walls.
The existing 70s clinker brick was retained not only to provide a rich juxtaposition to the new white masonry walls but also gives character to the house and informs of the history of the place. Interior walls which separated the kitchen, dining and living were removed for a more spacious and open layout. The windows become the animated paintings, as they frame the landscapes outside, bringing nature into the house.
If the house was a stage, the people become the main characters, their movement through the house becomes drama in the space while different colours and qualities of light are revealed at different times of the day. From the crisp morning light shafts streaming in, to mellow golden tones of sunset in the evenings, the mood of the space shifts within the interplay of light and shadow. It is only white walls that can reveal the colour of light. The space is filled with abundant daylighting and enjoys an intimate connection with nature.
Andesite creates signature projects of architecture and light as a synthesis of design, function and context. We aim for quality and innovation in architecture. We are involved in projects throughout New Zealand, based in Queenstown.
Our vision for architecture is a contemporary and timeless design. We encourage energy-efficient designs that continually push boundaries and innovation in architecture. We engage in environmentally sustainable design and construction in our approach towards architecture – and architecture of quality and distinction.
The practice was established in 2010 and is involved in mostly residential architecture throughout New Zealand. We have a special interest in integrating quality lighting design in architecture, both in terms of maximizing natural daylight design and application of artificial lighting design. We engage in the use and play of light within the architectural space as an expression of the poetics of architecture.