Toronia Court, Papamoa

Located in the suburban context of Palm Springs, a subdivision of Papamoa, this house combines aspects of New Zealand and Australian modern coastal architecture with modernist mid-century elements present in the iconic works of Richard Neutra, Alvar Aalto and Harry Seidler, among others. This blend of architectural influences is both an intrinsic aspect of the design brief and a response to the context, exploring the subtle cues in the subdivision name and theme. The result is a collected architectural composition, expressing clean lines, a neutral colour palette and strategic use of timber and soft landscaping, striking a balance between restraint, warmth and texture. The rectilinear and subdued facade is balanced with a trapezoidal subtraction dressed in warm timber weatherboards, denoting the entrance and adding interest to the elevation in the streetscape. The building form and spatial planning emerge from a diagrammatic process and a response to environmental factors: a rectangular prism extrusion, a subsequent subtraction creating a courtyard and pool area. The result is an "L" shape building, with garage and bedrooms positioned in the south quadrant and living spaces and main bedroom in the northern quadrant interfacing the courtyard. The interior spaces offer restraint with material selection, with warm whites complemented with timber flooring and sarking, bringing a sense of calm and softness. The living area, oriented along the north-south axis, is optimally positioned for cross-ventilation and passive solar heating. Oversized eaves to the west elevation mitigate excessive heat gains, ensuring comfortable temperatures all year round. Low maintenance and durable materials such as painted clay bricks, painted thermally-modified timber weatherboards and exposed Siberian Larch compose the external envelope, prioritising low-embodied carbon. High-performance glass wool insulation and double-glazing low-e joinery units paired with optimum sun orientation ensure thermal comfort for the end users. The living areas are further expanded with generous decks to the east and west offering various opportunities to inhabit space - be it with a built-in seat shaded by densely populated bamboo or under the louvred outdoor living.

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Photography by Hunter Studio
Building by Hepi Gage Construction
Lighting by Liv Light