By Simon Pirie Architects
Sited on a steep north east facing cliff top waterfront section, the house nestles within a restrictive building envelope and sensitive environmental constraints. Falling down from the road, a series of levels clearly contain and visually express the activities within. The upper sleeping level steps and shimmies under height limitations countering the falling ground and providing ocean views from all rooms.
The main level accommodates all family activities. With large moveable walls, the living spaces can be transformed within seconds from generous to intimate. Light levels change along with the contraction of spaces giving immediate relief from the highly lit double height ‘room with no name’ that acts as the main distributor of the house. Outdoor activities, limited by the contour of the site, feed directly off the living areas to the north west and south east.
The lowest level, by its unavoidable location, is the least active for the family. Designated as guest rooms and or study, it also contains the essential services for the house.
The premise that the external forms represent, is one of visual mass and contrasting transparency. The composite parts of the house are clearly expressed and defined by continuing the external visually heavier materials through into the interior and contrasting with the extensive areas of glazing that open to the omnipresent water views.
The mood of the house is one of casual family living that typifies the location and underlying social mores. Open and direct with clearly defined public and private areas, the layout clearly indicates the rights of the occupiers and the visitor. The landscaped areas which fill the ground between house and boundary are read as extensions of the plan and are more often viewed from above.
In an area that experiences rapid neighbourhood change the external screening systems attempt to future proof the privacy within the home.
Diversity in Practise - From home alterations and additions to Luxury International Resorts, Simon has been involved in them all. He has designed new preschool facilities in Remuera and Takapuna. Created the designs for Jigsaw Clothing Company retail stores. A ski club design for Mt Ruapehu. Proposed terraced housing in Queenstown. A Jungle Retreat in Thailand. Predominantly, Simon is now instrumental in the design and build of quality high end luxury homes throughout New Zealand.
Simon Pirie completed his Architecture Degree at University of Auckland in 1986. To continue following a passion for quality design and architecture he then gained employment at Cook Hitchcock and Sargisson Architects Ltd.
In 2000, after 14 years of learning from the best in the field, Simon was invited to become a partner in the company and the practice then became known as Cook Sargisson and Pirie Architects Ltd. In 2015 the founding partners retired and the practice is now known as Simon Pirie Architects Ltd.
"Our high design standards have been recognised with over forty National and International design awards."
Each project is approached as a unique proposition. "We strive to expand on every client's brief by utilising our design expertise to deliver built environments that are innovative, sensitive to their surroundings and responsive to the social dynamics of everyday living." Simon leads a small team of experienced Architects based in Victoria Park Market who work collaboratively with all parties involved including clients, consultants and contractors. They deliver buildings that positively influence all who encounter them.