Live / Work Warehouse Conversion
The brief for this project was to create a compelling and sustainable urban lifestyle for our family; 2 architects and 2 primary school aged children.
The project adopts a former NZ Post mail sorting warehouse in the heart of Epsom, 650m2 over 2 levels, which now houses both our home and studio.
The location satisfied the needs of proximity to public transport, greenspaces, schools and amenities within a balanced mixed-use environment of commercial and residential neighbours.
The building had existing qualities that could be retained and celebrated, including extensive tawa flooring, robust steel frame structure, “Corbusian” ribbon windows, and an elegant roofline that provided a large internal volume with intimacy.
Exterior thresholds and light penetration into the building were created by two large voids carved into the envelope; one at the ground level producing a sheltered entry and parking space, and another in the upper level to create a central open-to-sky roof garden courtyard around which the house flows.
Varied width and depth vertical cedar shiplap weatherboards line the cut surfaces into the building.
Industrial materials and re-used components combine with new refined elements and proportioned spaces to provide a simple and unique setting for integrated everyday family life.