Harakeke Road
By Gil-Plans Architecture
Design brief
The large exposed rural site is a gently rolling hillside sloping down to the coats in the distance. The site faces north-west with views across farmlands to Kapiti Island beyond. The brief call for a family home, it was to comprise an open plan living area, separate lounge, three bedrooms, a study/library, and general amenities. The owner’s main requirements were to have indoor-outdoor flow and focus over the rural and Kapiti Island Views. Due to the exposure of the site outdoor living spaces were also required away from the prevailing north-western winds.
Design features
Spatial - A set nominated building platform is north-west facing capturing expansive coastal and Kapiti island views to the west. The design set the living spaces on the north end of the house, wrapping from the east to the west to ensure an abundance of sun and light. Raking ceilings are utilised in the living areas and hallways for volume allowing clerestory windows to flood additional light into the spaces. A second lounge is located on the eastern side of the house, breaking out onto a courtyard sheltered from the prevailing winds. A large internal glass sliding door separates the living spaces allowing views through the main living area to the western coast. The master bedroom and offices were set on the western side of the house to gain coastal views with the remaining bedrooms and utilities set on the eastern side for morning sun also capturing hill range views. Timber battens were used for screening from see-through separation. Large decks with inbuilt seating extend out in multiple areas for mixed-use.
Form/aesthetics – The pitch of the roof plane was set to fall with the lay of the land to minimise the bulk of the building on the landscape. This also focused the views down the raking ceiling plane to the coast beyond. Large sliding doors open out to the exterior from all living spaces and the master bedroom forming the connection with the exterior. Over-wall sliders were used in multiple areas to provide maximum openings while retaining walls for simplistic bracing and internal wall space. Large soffits and pergolas extend over the western faces to provide much-needed sun protection. The building’s roof fascia folds down and over the walls creating a pod-like form with claddings consisting of bevel back cedar oiled to blend with the landscape, black white walls, and stone features for contrast. The house was completed in 2014.
Professionals used in
Harakeke Road
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Gil-Plans Architecture
About the
Professional
Gil-Plans Architecture is a Kapiti Coast-based architectural practice specialising in residential and light commercial projects “We strive to deliver projects that are purposeful, sympathetically integrate within their setting and touch lightly on the landscape.”
Gil-Plans Architecture is a Kapiti Coast based boutique architectural practice operating since 2004. Since its inception Gil-plans has completed many local and national projects to great success, winning numerous regional and national ADNZ design awards. Extensive research is undertaken on all projects, with a focus on delivering well considered, sensitive and sustainable design solutions. All projects, large and small, are approached with the same passion and integrity ensuring outstanding outcomes are delivered. Combining their wealth of knowledge and resources, Gil-plans Architecture takes pride in precise and detailed documentation, achieved through meticulous work within their talented and multi-disciplinary team.
Ben Gilpin - Lead Designer and Director of Gil-plans Architecture. (Dip Arch Technology, ADNZ professional member)
Ben has a true passion for architecture and prides himself on a rigorous approach to design. Ben strongly believes great architecture is uplifting and enjoys working closely with clients as a collaborative to deliver on their specific requirements. Ben focuses on understanding the clients brief and analysing the sites context to ensure great design solutions are delivered specific to each and every site. True to the principal that form follows function Ben applies both considerations from the outset to ensure the design first meet the functional requirements of a client’s brief, but also that the design has a well-considered, balanced and striking form.
From working in construction prior to pursuing his design career Ben ensures practical knowledge is applied to all projects providing cost effective design focused solutions.
Andrew Simpson - Designer and Associate at Gil-plans Architecture, Director of WireDog Architecture (BArch, ADNZ professional Member)
Andrew grew up on the Kapiti Coast and is a member of the Gil-plans design team. He was previously the director of WireDog Architecture, a multi-award winning practice based in Waikanae. Andrew was the winner of the ADNZ Supreme Award in 2019.
Andrew prides himself on a rigorous approach to design, focussing on the responsibility of architectural design to both the clients, the site and the long term impacts of construction. Architecture should not just aim to minimise long term impacts but be restorative. Andrew’s has held previous roles in leading architectural practices such as Parsonson Architects and Jasmax.
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