By Crosson Architects
A series of Pavilions – enclosed spaces, outdoor rooms and transitional spaces – linked with a covered boardwalk. The boardwalk has a slatted timber roof with glazing above, giving a dappled light condition through the length of the house.
The forms to the beach front are long and low, and broken through the ‘boardwalk’ zone, presenting sensitively to the beach. The street elevation is higher, allowing connections to the water and the enclosed courtyard, for the upper level.
The house is designed to operate at two scales: The front (beach) zone functions as a self contained house, for use when two people are in residence. When the extended family is staying, the back half of the house can be opened up. Both zones function independently and together.
The material palette is restricted, with natural finishes: timber, concrete, pre-weathered zinc.
Concrete panels anchor the building, giving a feeling of permanence and solidity in a harsh coastal environment. The pre-cast concrete panels compliment the zinc and timber detailing, giving a sense of refinement that contrasts against the more rustic landscaping elements, with ‘off the boards’ concrete walls and bandsawn timber elements.
Cabinetry elements are refined, plywood timber and polished stone, against tile and concrete walls.
Crosson Architects is an Auckland based architectural practice with an exceptional portfolio of work. Past projects include residential, commercial, institutional, masterplanning and urban design developments. Ken Crosson and his team have won numerous architectural awards locally and internationally with work being regularly published here and around the world.
Our commitment to providing a superior service to our clients is extended with membership in Designgroup New Zealand, enabling larger scale projects to be undertaken, drawing on a range of resources and expertise from partnering practices. We strive for the highest standards of client service, design and documentation. At the completion of each project, the aim is to have achieved a building that is beyond the client's expectations. We believe good design will produce sustainable, functional and dramatic spaces and buildings that have an enduring quality over time.
Each project is analysed for its special requirements and opportunities: the end result being not a preconceived idea, but a combination of the client's requirements and desires, a response to the site and the budget. Critical consideration is given to the project's specific environmental and historical context, and to the appropriate use of materials and construction methods.
At the heart of the process is the collaboration between the client and the architect. At Crosson Architects we create – and the process is vigorous and robust, rich and rewarding. Amongst other elements, we consider the physical, psychological and spiritual – achieving an outcome that is unique and life-enhancing.
We would love to offer you the opportunity to realise your dream with Ken and the team at Crosson Architects.