Kereru Lodge
By Imagine Architecture
Design Summary:
The client’s brief for this project was to create an addition to the existing house providing new open plan living spaces along with a separate media room. A new gable form was designed for the addition connecting to the existing via a central entry link creating a focused axis point between the two main structures and allowing the addition to be perfectly oriented to the views. The existing fully renovated structure gives a harmonious connection with the addition. Macrocapra timber detailing features strongly in both the interior and exterior.
Project Description:
The site is a typical rural lifestyle block on the fringe of New Plymouth – slightly elevated above the city on the Mt Taranaki ring plan giving rural views with peeks of the coast line and the city in the distance. The original early 184m2 1970’s summit stone single storey home had 3 bedrooms with separate kitchen, dining and living rooms.
The client’s brief for this project was to create an addition to the existing house providing new open plan living spaces along with a separate media room. Connecting with the outdoors was a priority as the owner’s were keen gardeners with a flare for landscape design. The original dwelling was to become the sleeping quarters and encompass a master suite with its own bathroom and living space. The use of natural timber was a must have along with a practical covered outdoor living space.
The desire was to modernise the existing building and have the new additional compliment the traditional gable form of a typical kiwi rural home.
Design Features and Creative Solution:
A new gable form was designed for the addition connecting to the existing via a central entry link creating a focused axis point between the two main structures and allowing the addition to be perfectly oriented to the views. A macrocapra deck provides a welcoming approach to the front door. The extension is 600mm lower than the original house using the contour to connect perfectly to the exterior. A common ceiling level gives the new structure a 3m stud height setting appropriate scale to the space. Cladding is solid plastered brick with the existing summit stone plastered to match.
A large verandah of macrocapra battened pergola concealing polycarbonate roofing provides shelter and shade. Placed carefully on the eastern side for protection from the prevailing wind and as a connection to the landscape.
The verandah is supported on macrocapra wing walls repeating themselves around the addition providing support for slatted macrocapra shades sized and positioned on stainless steel brackets for optimum solar control.
Architraves and reveals are from locally milled macrocapra and compliment the sustainable Fijian kauri ceiling. An open log fire and inverter heat pumps support the passive solar design of a beautiful polished slab fully insulted for excellent thermal mass. A Corian topped kitchen with full walk in pantry completes the living interior.
The existing fully renovated structure with new aluminium joinery gives a harmonious connection with the addition. A parents retreat at the end of the house provides a luxurious haven well separate from the main living areas
Professionals used in
Kereru Lodge
More projects from
Imagine Architecture
About the
Professional
Imagine Architecture (formally Imagine Building Design) is a multi-award winning architectural design practice that has been in business since 2002 with specialist expertise in Residential and Commercial design. Our practice has evolved through many iterations over the years. From starting in a shoebox home office, to growing into occupying historic premises at the Kings Building in New Plymouth, then to a sleek downtown high street practice. We have now gone back to our roots with small studio setups for Tony Biesiek out of Think Co in Tauranga and Steven Dixon in New Plymouth.
“Changing lives through great architecture & design”. That is the mission of Imagine Architecture. Since 2002, we have sought to infuse that mission into every project. Our designs are for high performance buildings that change lives. To achieve this, we combine aesthetics & energy efficiency with comfort & architectural appeal, function & use of space with quality interaction with the environment.
This approach is applied across all our projects irrespective of size or budget. We believe there is opportunity in every project to make better choices. This is accomplished thanks to better decision making to improve the quality of the space experienced by its occupants. Merely meeting minimum building code requirements is not enough. Exceeding minimums is the key to better buildings, be they new architectural homes or commercial structures. Optimum performance ahead of minimum compliance every time. Architecture with attitude!
Imagine Architecture aspires to uphold the Pritzker Architecture Prizewinner Glenn Murcutt’s ideal: ‘to touch the earth lightly’. This means we look at how nature has crafted the environment to this point in time, and form our design in relationship to that. For example, we have sculpted designs to the land, rather than the land to the design. Nature has brought us those spaces, so we strive to design structures to be harmonious with that nature. As custodians we seek to protect the environment through diligent stewardship and utilisation of the best high performance technology.
Our experience in over 1000 commissions to date is wide and diverse. In addition to servicing Bay of Plenty and Taranaki, we have commissions throughout New Zealand and have projects in Australia and Italy. In this modern age, geography is no barrier to delivering architectural excellence. The Imagine Architecture team's track record shows an ability to adapt quickly to client changes, government legislation and technical site situations. We have specialist experience in:
Residential homes and renovations
- Sustainable and Energy Efficient architecture
- Recreation & Parks facilities
- Apartments & Townhouses
- Mobility design and disabled access
- Retirement homes
- Gymnasia
- Schools & ECE
- Property development & investment units
- Industrial facilities
- Restaurant and retail design
- Shipping Container buildings
- Feasibility Studies
- Motels and Motor Lodges
Imagine Architecture promotes itself on the principle of “relationship marketing”. A large number of commissions come to Imagine Architecture by way of referrals from existing clients. This method of marketing reflects our philosophy of creating quality relationships with clients. This is achieved by friendly, clear and up front communication matched with a quality design service that meets the aesthetic, functional & financial requirements of the client.
Imagine Architecture is the experienced team to use if you are looking for innovative design that respects the environment, quality technical documentation, superior service through excellent communication.
- ArchiPro Member since2015
- Follow
- Locations
- More information