“Situated in the heart of Mount Maunganui, Stones Throw is perfectly positioned to enjoy coastal living with a hint of Palm Springs influence.”

With a passion for mid-century eclecticism, our clients sought an interpretation of mid-century modernism that works and responds to present day New Zealand living and environmental factors. The form and proportions of this home were inspired from Modernist architecture of Palm Springs. This is especially evident in the strong horizontals and verticals of the understated street approach, and the textures of the outdoor living spaces. In developing the concept with the clients, texture, material and form were front of mind.

The occupation of the building was to blend casual and formal, retreat and entertaining, with a play of privacy vs visual permeability to the neighboring public park.

 
Shifts in levels throughout the floor plan and roof lines allow spatial definition while addressing the height restrictions in place across the site supporting neighbouring homes.

Functionality was critical with an uncluttered sleek approach consisting of organic and geometric forms.

The planning for this family home pivots around an over scaled central covered social outdoor area, providing a sheltered but connected space to enjoy the park views. The topography is carved out to receive the built form, keeping the building anchored to the land. Large engineered structural retaining walls were required to two boundary aspects.

Street entry approach opens to social living spaces. Terraced stairs lead down to a lower-level rumpus/media room and swimming pool area whilst bedrooms stack above. Restricted vehicle sight access encouraged the installation of a car turntable.

With sleek low pitch rooflines, the house sits behind a dynamic rhythmic façade of vertical fin screens that elevate the aesthetic without overwhelming the geometry. The screens add to the modernist theme through layering and form but also provide privacy to the elevations.