By Mitchell Stout Dodd Architects
Sited in pine tree grove at one of Coromandels’ loveliest beaches, the house straddles between two undulations in the grassed sand dunes. The house is composed of two double storey blocks with a single storey linking bridge which forms a ‘U’ shaped inner courtyard. An outdoor fireplace and pool placed centrally within the courtyard subdivide the court into a series of terraced platforms that spill out towards the beach,
The brief called for range of social and sleeping places to allow for different generations to enjoy the holidays together. Living area and parents’ bedroom are located in the front looking out to the beach. Children and guests are located at the rear with views into the courtyard and diagonally towards the beach.
Externally the house has simple finishes which will weather well. Cladding is wide vertical cedar weather boards mounted on pine battens and restrained by screws and large square brass washers to minimise cracking (similar to reverse board and batten). Fireplace and pools are fair faced concrete with horizontal rough sawn boxing. Courtyard decking is large pilularis timber reminiscent of a wharf.
Julian Mitchell is the director of Mitchell Stout Dodd Architects; one of his areas of expertise is timber construction, a field in which has considerable practical as well as design experience. Julian worked with many architects as a builder from the mid 1980’s before completing an architecture degree in 2001. He has a strong understanding of the pragmatics and craft of building and is skilled at managing projects through construction. He was involved in the documentation of Unitec Landscape & Plant Sciences Building, was site architect for the Tauranga Art Gallery. He oversaw construction of the recently opened Lopdell House Redevelopment and Te Uru Contempory Gallery in Titirangi.
Julie Stout is a partner of Mitchell Stout Dodd Architects; winner of the Chrystall Excellence Award, 2014 and one of the leading figures in New Zealand architecture. She is currently Adjunct Professor in the Department of Architecture, Unitec, Auckland. Julie has worked on projects ranging from urban planning to private houses, has a particular interest in community buildings. She has experience in working with a variety of stakeholder groups to help realise their projects, and plays a key role in design and co-ordination. Her work includes urban planning, schools and public buildings, commercial developments, multi-unit residential projects and individual houses.
Rachel Dodd is a partner of Mitchell Stout Dodd Architects. She graduated from Unitec in 2007 with an Honours degree in Architecture having won numerous awards, including 3 design scholarships for overseas travel. Since graduating she has worked predominantly on residential projects, including multi-unit housing. Her experience ranges from the most modest to large, bespoke projects from inception to completion. In 2015 she won an NZIA National Award for an innovative alteration and addition to a 1930’s State House. It was the only project to win in its category that year.
Natalee Tan is an architectural graduate from the University of Auckland, graduating in the year 2014. She joined Mitchell & Stout Architects in 2015 and has since worked on a variety of projects, including small scale residential, and medium sized housing developments. Natalee is digitally proficient with CAD and BIM software, producing 3D models and presentation work for clients.