Hobson Bay House by Julian Guthrie Architecture

Hobson Bay House

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The requirement was for a large new family home maximising connection to the exterior spaces and views over Auckland harbour. To create connection to the terraces, pool and gardens, the living areas were all placed one level below street entry level. Entrance is a sequence of reveals and descents into the home. The house was inspired by the harbour edge war bunkers in Auckland, dug in to the cliff while open to the sea. In situ and precast concrete was used to create a monastic simplicity, with textural contrast between structures rising from the ground against walls sitting above. The building is a built contradiction in terms, at once seemingly impenetrable and massive, and yet dissolving into the expansive horizon. Concrete is cast on timber providing grain and patina. Natural stone, raw brass, timber and steel provide material balance.

The requirement was for a large new family home maximising connection to the exterior spaces and views over Auckland harbour. Read more

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“We have been clients of Julian Guthrie for approximately 20 years, within which period of time he has designed both renovations and new homes for us. The briefs have all been very different (including a new home, new beach house, and major renovation). Without exception, the results have all exceeded our expectations. Throughout the foregoing projects, Julian has also played an integral role in the management of planning requirements, and in the case of our home in Herne Bay, that process involved the complexity of obtaining consents to incorporate a character villa with additions that complemented the original home. His advice through that process, in addition to the design undertaken by him, was invaluable. In terms of that design work, we have no reservation in recommending Julian. He is an excellent communicator, and very skilled at translating a brief from a husband and wife (who do no always agree) into an outcome with which we have both been very happy. Our homes are personal to us, but undoubtedly a testament to Julian’s skills. Julian was also retained by my law firm to re-design and refit our offices. The offices are located in a challenging heritage building in the central business district. He had to take on board a number of individuals’ and personalities’ requirements in the brief. The end product, achieved in a very short duration, on budget, is outstanding. His relationship with the contractors on site was very good, all issues being resolved between them, with little input from us as clients in that process. That was of enormous value to us as busy professionals. We therefore have no hesitation in recommending Julian Guthrie and his team.”

Stephen Langton