By Imagine Architecture
This project is the second commission by the designer for these clients. As with the previous 2013 project the desire was for an interpretation of mid-century modernism that works and responds to present day New Zealand living and environmental factors. The concept was to embrace the client’s passion for mid-century eclecticism. In designing this house, the form and proportions were inspired from the modernist architecture of Palms Springs, CA, USA. This is especially evident in the street approach and outdoor living spaces. In developing the concept with the client texture, material and form were front of mind when resolving the spatial considerations.
The slightly elevated site was quite flat with a good urban views across the front of an existing heritage property out toward a bushy reserve. The same reserve provided a backdrop of mature native and deciduous trees that provided protection from the winter southerly wind.
Providing 3 bedrooms, a large garage and opening plan living the single level plan has been carefully developed to suit the client’s needs as they move towards retirement. Deliberately open plan yet with clear allocation of space contributes to a bright and spacious environment. A generous driveway compliments a large garage and provides ample parking for a motorhome and boat. Guest bedrooms are generous in size, ample storage is provided and the main bathroom is well appointed with quality fixtures, finishes and fittings.
The journey from the street is guided by screen block walls, a pattern repeated from their first home. The screens add to the modernist theme through layering and form but also provide privacy to the living areas between the house and street frontage. The front door opens to the main hall with its central raised roof void which allow lights to penetrate deep into the building regardless of the time of day. This provides a sense of space and airiness beyond the buildings physical proportions. With the site having a north-south axis the plan form features recesses to provide sun and light to enter the key spaces whilst at the same time providing generous outdoor living spaces all with level transitions blurring the line between indoors and out.
Window placement, roof overhangs and sun angles have all been carefully considered in a low-tech, passive solar design approach of harnessing and managing the sun’s energy and storing it in the thermal mass of stone walls. To cool the house a thin plan allows excellent cross-flow ventilation enhanced by the stack effect of the entrance atrium. Supplementary heating is by a log fire. The locally sourced Te Kuiti limestone cladding marks an honest modernist gesture and provides a bold textural element alongside the shiplap cedar. There is something mesmerising seeing crates of rough stone on site in rumbled form, then the transformation of the same into ordered forms. Sustainable Tasmanian Oak is used throughout the house including kitchen, office and wardrobes.
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Imagine Architecture (formerly Imagine Building Design) is a multi-award-winning architectural design practice established in 2002, specialising in residential and commercial design. With over two decades of experience and more than 1,000 commissions completed, we pride ourselves on delivering high-performance, innovative, and sustainable designs that positively impact lives.
Our journey began in a humble shoebox home office, evolved into historic premises at the Kings Building in New Plymouth, and later to a sleek downtown studio. Now, we have returned to a more personal approach with small studio setups: Tony Biesiek operates out of a studio suite in in Tauranga, while Steven Dixon leads our New Plymouth studio. This agile setup allows us to better serve clients across New Zealand and beyond, with projects extending to Australia and Italy.
At Imagine Architecture, our mission is simple yet profound: “Changing lives through great architecture & design.” We aim to create beautiful, functional spaces that harmonise aesthetics, energy efficiency, and comfort while fostering a deeper connection to the environment. To achieve this, we integrate Passive House principles, with Tony Biesiek’s certification as a Passive House Designer ensuring our designs meet and exceed the highest standards of energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and thermal performance. This approach guarantees healthier, more comfortable spaces that consume significantly less energy while reducing environmental impact.
In addition to Passive House design, we embrace biophilic design principles, emphasising the integration of natural elements into our projects. We believe buildings should enhance occupants’ physical and mental well-being by fostering connections with nature, whether through natural light, ventilation, materials, or spatial relationships. Our commitment to sustainability aligns with Pritzker Prize-winning architect Glenn Murcutt’s philosophy of “touching the earth lightly.” We design in harmony with the land, crafting structures that respect and respond to their natural surroundings.
Our projects, regardless of size or budget, are rooted in a commitment to quality and performance. Meeting minimum building code standards is not our goal—exceeding them is. Whether designing a new architectural home, a commercial space, or a bespoke renovation, we focus on maximising functionality, environmental interaction, and energy efficiency without compromising on design excellence.
Our practice thrives on relationships. Many of our commissions come through referrals, reflecting our focus on creating strong connections with clients. Clear, open communication, combined with exceptional service and innovative design solutions, ensures we meet aesthetic, functional, and financial requirements while exceeding expectations.
Imagine Architecture operates on the belief that better choices lead to better buildings. We embrace cutting-edge high-performance technology and sustainable practices to deliver spaces that inspire, endure, and adapt to the changing needs of clients and the environment. From Bay of Plenty and Taranaki to international locations, geography is no barrier to architectural excellence.
If you are seeking innovative, energy-efficient, and environmentally conscious design paired with technical expertise and superior communication, Imagine Architecture is the experienced team to bring your vision to life. Together, we can create spaces that not only look extraordinary but also improve lives and respect the planet.