Sandringham House.

Residential new build

Sandringham, Auckland

A study on infill housing, this Sandringham home designed for a couple returning to New Zealand from California maximises a small footprint to deliver spaces of versatility within a simple but intriguing facade.

The original corner site with a villa the couple had owned for years lent itself to subdivision – a move that allowed for careful consideration of what can be achieved in Auckland when it comes to density.

The resulting abode is one of intentional simplicity but which offers an arresting play of light and spaces with a sense of volume that belies their footprint. The 125m2 footprint (190m2 internal floor area) within a basic square form incorporates a double height living area, two bedrooms, a large studio space and a single garage.

Aligned with the villa’s side elevation, the street-facing facade is a simple black box broken up with a series of simple cuts and apertures. A permeable timber screen wraps the upper level at front and rear – a clear juxtaposition to the horizontal rhythm of the villa.