Urban Shed

The re-invention of a displaced 1920's bungalow into a modern, contextual, architectural home. The bones of the old house remain and have received a fresh, clean-lined skin of natural Zincalume and plywood. The linear axis of the original 'shotgun' plan has been reinforced by the alignment of new structural elements to enhance the connection with the site and the landscape beyond toward Mangawhau - Mt Eden. The street façade presents complementary elements varying in form and texture with the central, illuminated 'lantern' courtyard marking the entrance. At the rear, the outdoor room and adjacent master bedroom suite provide transitions between interior spaces and the garden with views to the mountain. A palette of naturally expressed materials has been used from smooth, 'off the form' concrete to rough, caged scoria, excavated from the site for the swimming pool, in the galvanized mesh cages of the gabion walls. Underpinning the architectural focus are sound principles of sustainable design. The exposed concrete floor slab of the outdoor room provides thermal mass for passive heating while the operable pivoting doors, glass louvre walls, and sliding shutters provide natural ventilation and cooling. High levels of insulation; sun screens; solar hot water heating; and wood burner space heating with wetback have been thoughtfully implemented in the design and detailing of this project.