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Box™ - The Architect Builder
Auckland, Auckland
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Decks to the north and west are carved out of the simple rectangular box form. 
Decks to the north and west are carved out of the simple rectangular box form. 
Complex engineering was required to cantilever the main box form out over the plinth in two directions to create the sense that the house is floating in space.
Complex engineering was required to cantilever the main box form out over the plinth in two directions to create the sense that the house is floating in space.
The single-level holiday house is designed to capture the views out across the estuary and over to the Hen and Chicken Islands.
The single-level holiday house is designed to capture the views out across the estuary and over to the Hen and Chicken Islands.
The view becomes visible on approach to the house through the central carved out area of the plinth which doubles as a semi-sheltered parking area. 
The view becomes visible on approach to the house through the central carved out area of the plinth which doubles as a semi-sheltered parking area. 
The concrete block plinth was left exposed and combined with vertical cedar on the upper level. 
The concrete block plinth was left exposed and combined with vertical cedar on the upper level. 
A palette of natural materials and neutral hues fits seamlessly into the coastal environment. 
A palette of natural materials and neutral hues fits seamlessly into the coastal environment. 
The lower level frames a carefully chosen view, which is expanded upon once you arrive at the higher, main living level.
The lower level frames a carefully chosen view, which is expanded upon once you arrive at the higher, main living level.
A sense of verticality is achieved with a striking black aluminium balustrade. 
A sense of verticality is achieved with a striking black aluminium balustrade. 
Vertical aluminium fins juxtapose the timber cladding while maintaining a simple material palette. 
Vertical aluminium fins juxtapose the timber cladding while maintaining a simple material palette. 
A skylight above the western deck draws light into the area while cedar fins create changing patterns throughout the day. 
A skylight above the western deck draws light into the area while cedar fins create changing patterns throughout the day. 
A double-sided fireplace sits at the junction between indoor and outdoor living areas.
A double-sided fireplace sits at the junction between indoor and outdoor living areas.
A pared back colour and material palette enhances the coastal setting.
A pared back colour and material palette enhances the coastal setting.
Inside, cedar fins separate the stairwell from the living area and provide a link between internal and external materials. 
Inside, cedar fins separate the stairwell from the living area and provide a link between internal and external materials. 
Floor to ceiling glazing maximises the coastal views.
Floor to ceiling glazing maximises the coastal views.
Extensive decking accessed by sliding doors allows the living and dining areas to open up to the outdoors. 
Extensive decking accessed by sliding doors allows the living and dining areas to open up to the outdoors. 
A neutral palette creates a sense of calm and tranquility in the interiors.
A neutral palette creates a sense of calm and tranquility in the interiors.
Floor to ceiling windows in the bedrooms ensure a connection with the surrounds is maintained in all areas of the house. 
Floor to ceiling windows in the bedrooms ensure a connection with the surrounds is maintained in all areas of the house. 
The bathrooms continue the neutral material and colour palette echoing the coastal beiges of the surrounding environment. 
The bathrooms continue the neutral material and colour palette echoing the coastal beiges of the surrounding environment. 
A freestanding bath adjacent to floor-to-ceiling windows makes the most of the expansive views. 
A freestanding bath adjacent to floor-to-ceiling windows makes the most of the expansive views. 
The double sided gas fireplace between the western deck and main living area creates a visual centrepiece in both areas.
The double sided gas fireplace between the western deck and main living area creates a visual centrepiece in both areas.

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