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Nestled in a tree lined enclave, this retreat in rural surroundings provides an everyday getaway from city working life.

Simplicity with a wow factor was a key part of the clients brief - a palette of traditional-rural and stark-modern materials, blended with the traditional comforts of vernacular forms was soon agreed upon and the resultant balance provides the residents with a well-articulated sense of warmth and space.

As one moves through the open layout, different views across the site are framed by a variety of window shapes and placements, some inviting access to a multitude of outdoor living options.

The sun soaked northern decks enjoy a private and sheltered aspect, cloistered by established trees along the boundary. The entertaining patio, directly off the kitchen / living area, has been a pleasant surprise for the clients, and become the preferred spot to lazily unwind outdoors - poolside. The western covered deck captures the lower evening sun, on still summer evenings.

The home needed to be comfortable and functional, offering open plan living with spaces that interact while ensuring plenty of privacy for quieter zones of the house.

Ground and polished aggregate concrete throughout harnesses the passive thermal energy of the ground as it heats throughout the day, complemented by the additional control of underfloor heating.

The building, finished in horizontally clad cedar, is given a rich quality with a honey hued stain which harmoniously integrates the architecture back into the landscape. 

Respond Architects
Auckland
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Professionals used in
Okura House

About the
Professional

The company is a team of Architects that tread the line between creative design solutions and technical expertise. Respond Architects are excited about new ways of doing things, but their depth of experience and multi-disciplinary approach means that it will be done right. The company's tight partnerships with experts in engineering and surveying make us a one-stop-shop for excellent, original and sensitive design solutions.

Respond Architects believe in architecture as a response; to people, place, and to physical, cultural and historical context. Design, for them, evolves from these factors, which is why they are not constrained to any one architectural style.

Respond Architects clients include some very cool, progressive home owners and developers, government departments including the Ministry of Education, Schools, Body Corporates, Property Managers and commercial property owners.