By Houston Architects
Steep Site, Smart Design – Modern Townhouses in Harmony with Nature
This townhouse project shows how steep slopes can inspire innovative, site-responsive architecture. Here’s how we harmonized design with the land: ⛰️
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Key Design Principles
Steep Site Solutions ️➡️️
Terraced layouts preserved the slope, framing mountain-sea views and sunlight for every unit.
Low-Maintenance Focus ️
Durable cladding merges with the landscape, slashing long-term upkeep.
Sunlight Optimization ☀️
Strategic orientation captures sunrise/sunset light, amplified by open layouts and expansive glazing.
Privacy Through Terracing
Stepped units avoid overlooking neighbors, creating secluded outdoor spaces (decks, gardens).
AI-Powered Visuals
AI-enhanced renderings bring even greater clarity and precision to the design.
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Why It Works
By embracing AI visualization alongside site-responsive design, we delivered homes that feel rooted in the land—effortlessly beautiful and efficient.
#SteepSiteDesign ️ | #LowMaintenanceHomes ️ | #SiteSpecificArchitecture | #AIinArchitecture
An Auckland based architectural office focusing on providing leadership in planning, architecture, urban design and interior design. With over 30 years award-winning experience designing residential, church, school and commercial projects.
NZ architects you can trust
We believe in a ‘total design’ architectural philosophy, which means design disciplines permeate every aspect of the business, including the way we operate. This approach ensures building design outputs are based on facts and reality, not assumptions and guesses. Every output is checked against the original brief, however, there’s always flexibility to accommodate new requirements along the way.
Our attention to detail ensures every stage of each project is successful. You can trust us to streamline the journey to project realization by producing accurate and technically complex consent and tendering drawings, efficiently monitoring adherence to plans during construction and ensuring your architectural budget goes the distance.
An architecture firm built around your wants and needs
Established in 1983, Houston Architects is deliberately small and cohesive team of Auckland architects with extensive building design experience and expertise. We work predominately on residential, commercial, education and church buildings in the Auckland region, however our track record includes projects in Wellington, Tauranga and other areas of New Zealand.
Our number one purpose is to create exceptional client satisfaction. To achieve this we concentrate our attention on just a few projects at a time, maintain close client relationships and ensure every step is driven by your wants and needs.