Rouse House
By Holmes Architecture
Nestled within a private enclave of regenerative bush, the Rouse House is a discrete architectural home in harmony with the natural surroundings. Offering serene views from its elevated position above Lyall Bay, Wellington, this innovative residence spans a compact 148 square metres over two levels. Loft living and office spaces bookend living and dining areas below. The Rouse House embodies a modern living environment within a modest footprint and budget.
Commissioned with a client brief requiring privacy, contemplation, and sympathy with the natural setting, the Rouse House is a graceful response to a challenging site. Perched on a steep plot with difficult walk-down access, material deliveries were made by helicopter, indicative of the owner/builders resourcefulness and dedication to the unique setting.
Externally, the Rouse House presents itself as an unassuming gabled structure. Mist green metal cladding, reminiscent of traditional tramping huts, lets the Rouse House seamlessly blend into the surrounding dense bush. Complimentary to the metal cladding, dark timber accents echoing the rich hues of the indigenous flora are used across the facade.
Internally, generous glazing floods the diverse arrangement of living spaces with natural light and breathtaking views of the bay beyond are a backdrop to daily life within. The eclectic internal material palette is characterised by muted blues, greens, and pinks, accented by warm walnut tones, exuding a sense of tranquillity and sophistication.
At the heart of the interior is a unique geometric composition. A dual staircase design is a striking focal point while the double-height living space creates a sense of grandeur and openness. Negative detailing, handmade furniture and a high level of detail throughout elevate the residence, adding a sense of craft and character.
The Rouse House is an exceptional response to a unique context and client brief. The Rouse House is a confident expression of contemporary architectural language in dialogue with traditional building forms resulting in bold yet functional spaces that meet the client’s needs and respect the natural setting.
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Rouse House
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About the
Professional
With a family heritage in construction and as a qualified builder himself, Mike Holmes established Holmes Architecture while completing the Masters of Architecture programme at Victoria University.
Working on complex residential and commercial projects fostered an affinity with built form, and Holmes Architecture was initiated through connecting this intimate knowledge of the construction process with an intuition and passion for architecture and design.
Mike’s approach to the design process is fluid and intuitive, although his non-linear approach is always coupled with a strong sense of identity, purpose and process - “Establishing identity is fundamental to the creative process and establishing who you, and your clients are, will ensure a clear project vision.”
Identity may be revealed in a multitude of ways: architectural style, environmental considerations, materiality, detailing, form, relationship to landscape - in either case a strong sense of form and composition is often a theme of the practice. Client and context is the first conversation initiated in each project, where the many competing forces of the design brief are reconciled through design thinking, visualisation and documentation.
Mike believes that architecture is communication in both practice and product - “The spark that delivers an initial design insight is a relatively brief moment in the process. The practice of architecture is then the communication of this brief and intense moment. What elevates buildings to architecture is when a designer has something worthwhile to say and does so in an insightful and honest way.”
Mikes ultimate aim is that unexpected and delightful design solutions are achieved through balancing function, construction and efficiency with a deep empathy for site, context and client.
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