The Splay House

The clients brief called for a house that would cater for the needs of a young family of five.  In order to accommodate these requirements within a constrained footprint, care was taken to minimise dedicated circulation in favour of linking dual purpose spaces.   The house hinges around a central covered deck which serves as a transitional space offering shelter from the elements while informally connecting public and private wings.

"Located in suburbia with a hidden gully edge, this house utilises a bold unfolding site strategy that maximises interior and exterior space. The simple sculptural forms radiate around a generous central living court, creating intimate connections between all spaces. This is an excellent example of standard construction methodology expressed with considered material craft."

- NZIA Waikato / Bay of Plenty Jury

In order to meet budgetary constraints, conventional timber framed construction is used throughout.  The external form of the dwelling is derived from the reinterpretation of a traditional hipped roof which is then eroded to create covered areas.  This subtractive approach provides solar control and protection to door openings without compromising the idea of a singular form.