By Anna-Marie Chin Architects
This rural Queenstown project was a dramatic reimagining of an existing home. The building was almost completely refinished, with the addition of a new living wing and an extended bedroom wing, both of which respond to the existing building form. The house is rural in nature, with crisp metal pitched roofs and a combination of rustic timber and stone cladding. The new plan provides a series of private spaces inside and out, and a new living zone with formal entry portico that reinforces the rural/industrial nature of the scheme with an exposed steel structure and stained timber tongue-and-groove lining. Sculptural fireplace elements are of natural stone and steel. Openings have been increased in scale to frame picturesque views, which are complemented by a series of sculptural works in the landscape. The addition of a new loft space above the existing garage provides an alternative bridged connection to the landscape and private guest quarters which are semi-connected to the main house.
Our team of 7 create buildings that are beautiful, often simple and sit at ease with the land.
The creative nature and challenge of the design is all important, crafting buildings unique to each individual client.
As registered architects we enjoy working with clients who are interested – inspired perhaps – about architecture, and who want to engage in the design process. This relationship is integral to the outcome, and is based on clarity and trust.
The essential elements of design are texture and space. We select raw materials that invite the patina of age, giving character and warmth to a home or workplace. The created spaces – inside and out – must evoke a response, be it inspiration or simply a sense of warmth or well-being.
Site is paramount. Rather than making an architectural statement we prefer to respond to the land, creating timeless and authentic buildings to be enjoyed now and well into the future.