With the need for connection and entertainment at the forefront of their clients’ wishlist, architects Evelyn McNamara of Evelyn McNamara Architecture and Chris Tate of Chris Tate Architecture, conceived a design for this renovation project that met the client’s brief in every respect.

“Given the complexity of the project, we decided early on that Peter Fell coloured concrete was the only solution to the client’s desire for a robust and visually appealing outdoor space providing great, year-round living and bringing connection between the built and natural environments,” says Chris.

Located in one of Auckland’s heritage suburbs, the century-old villa was a remnant from the past in terms of both functionality and amenity. Strict planning constraints due to the neighbourhood’s heritage zoning, along with issues around site topography and the proximity of neighbours all conspired to make the renovation project a demanding one. However, the choice to specify Peter Fell coloured concrete was simple and based on the company’s ability to deliver.

“As with any building product, you want quality assurance and peace of mind,” says Evelyn. “Peter Fell is the best coloured concrete supplier in New Zealand. Theirs is a great product, reliable and of the highest quality. Specifying it for this project was the easiest decision we had to make.”

The architects designed a multipurpose space that includes casual dining and a sunken lounge area that incorporates a fire pit for intimate gatherings. An outdoor kitchen and wall-mounted television completes the scheme. The second storey of the extension cantilevers over the space and the dark stained cedar cladding on the ceiling is offset by a neutral plaster finish on the walls.

“We felt that, given the dichromatic colour palette of the house, what was needed was a soft concrete colour for the entertaining area, to make it feel comforting and inviting and also to impart a sense of integrity as the other materials softened with age.

“With more than 90 colours in the Peter Fell inventory to choose from, we found the right colour within the neutrals range—one of twelve colours in the range that add a subtle hue to the concrete without obscuring its natural texture and beauty,” says Evelyn.

Peter Fell uses high-grade iron oxides to colour the concrete. Because these oxides are added to the concrete, the colour is permanent and won’t deteriorate or fade, even in the harshest of environments. The integration of the oxides also results in a natural distribution of colour, reflecting the organic nature of concrete, imparting a unique depth and warmth.

Architect: Evelyn McNamara Architecture and Chris Tate Architecture
Peter Fell colour: PF 156 from the Neutral Colour Range
Featured: ArchiPro