By Jeff Brickell Architects
The transformation of an existing, tired coastal bach into a modern family home to meet the needs of a family now permanently residing there.
A crucial part of the brief was that the informal rituals of bach living such as outdoor living, cooking and dining be retained.
An addition containing a new master bedroom with ensuite and new living space creates a design that is centred around a north facing outdoor room which in turn flows onto a large flat lawn. The new living space can be opened up with bi-folding doors to allow it to become part of the outdoor room, or closed down as required. The new master bedroom has the ability to function as a separate studio.
Minor alterations, including storage and a new kitchen within the existing bach increase liveability, creating a four bedroom, two bathroom family home. With a tight budget, simple roof forms, extensive use of plywood for interior linings and joinery and passive solar design and natural ventilation feature.
Jeff Brickell Architects is a small, design focussed, architecture practice based in Whangarei. We offer dedicated personal service and high levels of accountability. Keeping overheads low means we offer excellent value. We have a local focus which allows us to foster collaborative relationships with other building professionals in Northland. We aim to craft buildings that relate to their environment and make people feel good.
Environmental Design
Above all we believe architecture needs to provide a healthy, comfortable place in which to live our lives. It needs to respond to its climate and be adaptable to suit the seasons. It needs to be as sustainable as possible and energy efficient. We utilise passive solar design principles in our buildings to provide natural light, warmth, cooling and ventilation. We aim to provide a range of outdoor spaces associated with the building to suit different times of day and year.
Quality Design
We recognise that people’s needs and values are often the same thing. We design architecture to meet people’s unique needs and to reflect their values. We aim for innovative, clever design solutions. Our design solutions provide cost effective architecture that is both practical and beautiful.
Site Specific Design
We use detailed site analysis to identify the unique set of opportunities that each site presents. Sun, wind, views, privacy and topography are all thoroughly considered to unlock the potential of the site. Often design concepts are derived from this relationship to site. We aim to design architecture that enhances people’s connection to their site and surrounding environment.