The Ramsey House, Queenstown

Koia Architects was established in Auckland, New Zealand in 1995 by architect, Tony Koia. The practice has expanded over the years and a second office was established in Queenstown in 2004. To reflect this commitment Koia Architects Auckland Ltd and Koia Architects Queenstown Ltd were created in 2006 to provide better service to both regions. Initial projects included all types of residential and apartment fit-outs including their integrated interiors, and landscaping design. This quickly expanded to include townhouses, terrace houses, apartment buildings, office fit-outs, commercial projects and hotel design. As part of the maturing New Zealand residential market over, we have enjoyed providing creative solutions for different types of living environments and seeing our clients appreciate the benefits of these. Working in a wide range of residential and commercial projects keeps us fresh and always provides aspects that enrich future projects – regardless of the size or type. Each commission is special and unique. Every client brings a different hierarchy of requirements and we identify these at the outset - whether they be aesthetic, quality, time or budget constraints - so a successful outcome is achieved. We encourage our clients to be involved throughout the design process as this often brings about a more fulfilling result. Project Description This is a home that combines the simple farm structure of the Peregrine Farm shed with the ease and informality of the Blue door cafe.   We wanted a building that was not conscious of itself, that appeared to be thrown up with whatever was at hand. Each time we presented finishes to the client, he would say, “make it rougher”. There is no gib board through the entire house. The walls are schist stone or band-sawn cedar, the ceiling is corrugated iron and the floors are concrete to the ground floor with beech floor boards upstairs. The well insulated schist stone exterior walls are 800mm thick.