Spitaki House by Lovell and O'Connell Architects

Spitaki House

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After building their own house 30 years ago and watching the family grow and change, the clients (an historian and a artist) were keen on fresh beginnings. A love of craft and an appreciation of the practical, compact plans of certain state houses were some of the things that formed part of initial design conversations with LoCA. Spitaki House is the outcome and perches just above where they first built, replacing one of the small working man’s cottages that sit facing towards Island Bay beach. With a sculptural form and roof that stealthily hugs against the hill, a rippled ply ceiling cradles the jewel box spaces below. Pared back with simple lines and greyed cedar cladding, the house orientates to the sun with living spaces staggering down to frame views to the north and east. Multiple verandah spaces collect artwork on their walls are tucked away, managing the fickle Wellington coastal winds that always seem to blow. Read the Home New Zealand Article (August/September 2017) here

After building their own house 30 years ago and watching the family grow and change, the clients (an historian and a artist) were keen on fresh beginnings. Read more

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Lovell and O'Connell Architects

A sculptural residence in Island Bay, Spitaki House features a rippled ply ceiling and greyed cedar cladding, designed to embrace sunlight and coastal views while providing intimate spaces for art and family gatherings.

After building their own house 30 years ago and watching the family grow and change, the clients (an historian and a artist) were keen on fresh beginnings. A love of craft and an appreciation of the practical, compact plans of certain state houses were some of the things that formed part of initial design conversations with LoCA.

Spitaki House is the outcome and perches just above where they first built, replacing one of the small working man’s cottages that sit facing towards Island Bay beach. With a sculptural form and roof that stealthily hugs against the hill, a rippled ply ceiling cradles the jewel box spaces below.

Pared back with simple lines and greyed cedar cladding, the house orientates to the sun with living spaces staggering down to frame views to the north and east. Multiple verandah spaces collect artwork on their walls are tucked away, managing the fickle Wellington coastal winds that always seem to blow.

Read the Home New Zealand Article (August/September 2017) here

4.1K1h 57m

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Professional Reviews

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“The team from LOCA took our brief and budget and designed a light-filled, inviting home for us. In particular we appreciate the sculptural form of the house and how well it nestles in to the end of the ridge line. Kudos to Ana for the bold choice in the brilliant exterior paint colours which light up the neighbourhood at night. Tim provided timely and skilled solutions during the build when invariably changes were required. We were impressed with his ability to sketch details with a pencil and paper in the northerly gales that a builder could easily understand. Ben was fantastic at helping with the joinery details and the lighting including sourcing both new and vintage lights. It was a pleasure to work with them and we were impressed with how they responded to our suggestions along the way.”

Barbara and Nick