From the Top

There was a view protection covenant across much of the site meaning the building needed to be predominantly single level with the exception of the eastern portion of the site. The home is comprised of a single level flat roofed entry link, which provides access to the two storey bedroom wing and gallery, the open plan living area and the garage. The main circulation spaces, being the entry link and double height gallery space, serve to display the families extensive art collection. Precast concrete panels act as the core of the living wing and form a cinema room where the family can retreat, providing a stark contrast from the living area which is open and outward focused. The panels act as both anchors for the home structurally and an architectural feature. The living spaces are defined by the sunken lounge and the blade walls that support the lower edge of the roof on each of the facets were conceived to break up the volume and create intimacy. On site they also serve as windbreaks. In the living space the hexagonal roofline is accentuated with ceilings lined in Herman Pacific Cedar, handcrafted over a period of weeks each piece of cedar is placed for accuracy on a graduating level. From the entry the living wing provides a composed view of Mount Maunganui and with extensive deckings of 100m2 wrapping around this space it provides ample indoor and outdoor connection. The building is designed incorporating passive solar design principles (orientation, shading, insulation), and the specification of services and building materials aims to minimise operating energy requirements and provide a comfortable environment. A solar hot water system from Ewatec is estimated to result in 70% electricity savings. A warm roof system to the flat roofs provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. Abodo Vulcan cladding is used, a NZ thermally modified locally produced radiata pine product.​ Photo Credit - Quinn O'Connell