banner

Globe Holdings Ltd, Seatoun, Wellington 2003

Studio Pacific’s masterplan for the Seatoun waterfront development included a diverse range of plot sizes and housing types appealing to a variety of demographics. The Courtyard Houses were developed on the medium-density plot located at the centre of the development, away from the harbour-edge view. Clustered together, they form a series of interlocking sheltered, private and sunlit courtyards that challenges the suburban archetype of detached houses on discrete sections, offering instead a new way of thinking about contemporary suburban life.

The traditional approach to suburban development that places each house at the centre of its section would have produced unusable shady strips of yard at the side of each house and left the section exposed to the buffeting coastal winds. Instead, living and bedroom spaces are shifted to the edges of the section, maximising space and creating a central sun-filled, sheltered courtyard with which the rooms of the house directly engage. A strategy of shared walls and interconnecting spaces replaces the archetypical configuration of suburban houses.

The houses comprise two basic models; the single-storeyed 16m (120m2) houses are spaced between the two-storey 20m (160m2) houses so that views and sun are maximised. Living spaces face to the north, and clerestory windows ensure good light and connection to the outside, with second-storey spaces carefully arranged to allow views out to the harbour and hills with minimal overshadowing.

Photography: Simon Devitt.

Studio Pacific Architecture
View locations (2)
Get in touch
Visit Website
Courtyard Houses
Courtyard Houses
Courtyard Houses
Courtyard Houses
Courtyard Houses
Courtyard Houses

About the
Professional

Studio Pacific was established in Wellington in 1992 by the three directors: Nicholas Barratt-Boyes, Stephen McDougall and Evzen Novak.

Prior to establishing the studio, all three directors studied and/or worked together in New Zealand before working for a period in Europe: Evzen studied in Berlin and worked in Switzerland and London, while Nick and Stephen were based in London and worked on projects throughout the U.K. and Europe.

The collective international experience gained by the directors in Europe set the platform and influenced the direction of the practice. From early design competitions and small residential commissions, Studio Pacific has evolved into an award-winning substantial and creative practice with diverse projects throughout New Zealand. Particular recognition has been given to the studio for working with the arts, urban regeneration, housing, masterplanning and contemporary workspace planning.

Studio Pacific undertakes a large range of projects, from small individual furniture items to large projects involving entire new towns. Our small-scale work includes new houses, additions and alterations, and retail work. Our larger schemes include large multi-unit residential and commercial buildings as well as masterplans and landscaping.

We enjoy having a mix of project sizes and types in the studio – each project has different challenges, and offers varied opportunities for us to express our creativity in response.