By Crosson Architects
The house is set on a gently sloping site that is surrounded by existing houses to the East, West and South. The elevated site provides sweeping northern views over St Heliers to the Waitemata Harbour beyond.
The shape and form of the dwelling was established to maximise the site and the northern aspect. A hanging corten-steel entry canopy is flanked by a large garage and courtyard wall. This leads through to a gallery spine with private courtyards either side. A media room opens out onto the visible courtyard while the 3 bedrooms and laundry each open out onto private courtyards.
A three storey in-situ concrete stairwell wall leads to the upper levels. Vertical timber battens adjacent filters light and permit visual connections to the spaces beyond. The second level contains the main family, kitchen and dining areas with a separate living room and bedroom. These living areas face out to the sea views while the dining and kitchen area also opens out onto a rear courtyard with an inground swimming pool and terrace.
The main bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, dressing room and separate study is located on the third level. Above this an exterior roof terrace is accessed via a roof hatch to maximise the 360 degree panoramic views.
Modern construction consisting of a mix of natural timbers, corten steel, zinc and glass reflect a contemporary yet sensitive material selection.
Finishes of materials are natural blacks, browns and light greys, offset by the red of the corten steel. The white interior is softened by the warmth of the Australian Blackwood timber joinery and American Oak floor contrasting with the raw finish of the in-situ concrete.
Photography by Patrick Reynolds
Crosson Architects is an Auckland based architectural practice with an exceptional portfolio of work. Past projects include residential, commercial, institutional, masterplanning and urban design developments. Ken Crosson and his team have won numerous architectural awards locally and internationally with work being regularly published here and around the world.
Our commitment to providing a superior service to our clients is extended with membership in Designgroup New Zealand, enabling larger scale projects to be undertaken, drawing on a range of resources and expertise from partnering practices. We strive for the highest standards of client service, design and documentation. At the completion of each project, the aim is to have achieved a building that is beyond the client's expectations. We believe good design will produce sustainable, functional and dramatic spaces and buildings that have an enduring quality over time.
Each project is analysed for its special requirements and opportunities: the end result being not a preconceived idea, but a combination of the client's requirements and desires, a response to the site and the budget. Critical consideration is given to the project's specific environmental and historical context, and to the appropriate use of materials and construction methods.
At the heart of the process is the collaboration between the client and the architect. At Crosson Architects we create – and the process is vigorous and robust, rich and rewarding. Amongst other elements, we consider the physical, psychological and spiritual – achieving an outcome that is unique and life-enhancing.
We would love to offer you the opportunity to realise your dream with Ken and the team at Crosson Architects.