One with the Land

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One with the Land | Gil-Plans Architecture | ArchiPro video
One with the Land | Gil-Plans Architecture | ArchiPro
The placement of the home follows the natural contour of the site, which slopes away to the south. Access to the home is via the first of three interconnected forms which descend across five half-levels.
On the upper most level, two guest bedrooms feature operable slatted screens to minimise solar gain from the strong afternoon sun.
The exterior material palette comprises rammed earth, timber and zinc-coated aluminium.
The home's design evolved from traditional Japanese ideals of the ‘house as garden’, with spaces designed to be moved through and that offer glimpses of what is to come.
The materials were chosen for their various contributions to sustainability—whether its the thermal mass provided by the rammed earth or low-maintenance nature of the timbers and even the high-performance ratings of the glazing and insulation.
In keeping with the theme of sustainability, much of the furniture and fixtures were handmade by the homeowner, including the large dining table.
Strand board, a material not usually associated with residential architecture, was chosen for the kitchen cabinetry.
The strand board imparts a strong textural aesthetic that contrasts nicely with the rammed earth walls.
In a touch of whimsy, hand whisks have been repurposed as pendant lighting, another example of recycling/upcycling that pervades the home and architecture.
Large, triple-glazed doors in recycled Siberian larch joinery help moderate the internal temperature while maintaining access to the lake and mountain views.
Strand board elements can be found throughout the home, in this instance as every second stair.
A custom feature wall in the second lounge displays some of the owner's—a wine maker—collection of wines.
The main bedroom suite is contained within the lower form at the southern-most boundary of the home and like the rest of the home, features a very pared back, natural palette.
The ensuite features a custom strand board vanity and a handmade copper vessel basin.
The free-standing bath sits within its own enclave with bifolding doors that open directly to the deck.
The wet-area shower features an industrial-style exposed copper pipe shower rail.
Deep setbacks on the western facade minise solar gain to the living area and main bedroom.
The zinc-coated aluminium will continue to patina over the time further softening the mass of the home as seen from the southern boundary.
Dense kanuka bush borders the home and helps bed it into the landscape.

About the
Professional

Gil-Plans Architecture is a Kapiti Coast-based architectural practice specialising in residential and light commercial projects “We strive to deliver projects that are purposeful, sympathetically integrate within their setting and touch lightly on the landscape.”

Gil-Plans Architecture is a Kapiti Coast based boutique architectural practice operating since 2004. Since its inception Gil-plans has completed many local and national projects to great success, winning numerous regional and national ADNZ design awards. Extensive research is undertaken on all projects, with a focus on delivering well considered, sensitive and sustainable design solutions. All projects, large and small, are approached with the same passion and integrity ensuring outstanding outcomes are delivered. Combining their wealth of knowledge and resources, Gil-plans Architecture takes pride in precise and detailed documentation, achieved through meticulous work within their talented and multi-disciplinary team.

Ben Gilpin - Lead Designer and Director of Gil-plans Architecture. (Dip Arch Technology, ADNZ professional member)

Ben has a true passion for architecture and prides himself on a rigorous approach to design. Ben strongly believes great architecture is uplifting and enjoys working closely with clients as a collaborative to deliver on their specific requirements. Ben focuses on understanding the clients brief and analysing the sites context to ensure great design solutions are delivered specific to each and every site. True to the principal that form follows function Ben applies both considerations from the outset to ensure the design first meet the functional requirements of a client’s brief, but also that the design has a well-considered, balanced and striking form.

From working in construction prior to pursuing his design career Ben ensures practical knowledge is applied to all projects providing cost effective design focused solutions.

Andrew Simpson - Designer and Associate at Gil-plans Architecture, Director of WireDog Architecture (BArch, ADNZ professional Member)

Andrew grew up on the Kapiti Coast and is a member of the Gil-plans design team. He was previously the director of WireDog Architecture, a multi-award winning practice based in Waikanae. Andrew was the winner of the ADNZ Supreme Award in 2019.

Andrew prides himself on a rigorous approach to design, focussing on the responsibility of architectural design to both the clients, the site and the long term impacts of construction. Architecture should not just aim to minimise long term impacts but be restorative. Andrew’s has held previous roles in leading architectural practices such as Parsonson Architects and Jasmax.

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Gil-Plans Architecture