A RESPONSE TO A MODERN SUBURBAN ENVIRONMENT THAT IS THOUSANDS OF YEARS OLD

BEGINNING WITH THE END IN MIND...
Courtyards—private open spaces surrounded by walls or buildings—have been in use in residential architecture for almost as long as people have lived in constructed dwellings. In populated areas, a courtyard in a home can provide privacy for a family, and a safe place for children to play.

In 2014 when Natasha Cockerell of Respond Architects began designing a new home for her own family in Beachlands, Auckland, this concept along with the decision that the building would be clad in timber for its natural warmth and character formed the starting point for the overall design.

A FAMILY AFFAIR…
Natasha designed and project managed the build whilst on maternity leave, with her brother, builder Lance Smith building the house with assistance on site from her husband Nick.

MATERIALITY…
The design is simple but striking, utilising Herman Pacific cedar weatherboards, stained with Resene Wood-X in two contrasting colours – dark charcoal horizontal rusticated weatherboards on the monopitch gable ends.

These are juxtaposed against whitewashed vertical shiplap boards on the other walls and deep fascias. The clean lines of two cedar clad wings enclose a sheltered private north-facing courtyard which links the main living wing with the wing housing the childrens’ bedrooms and a playroom.

“The home has a distinct mid century feel with a modern twist.”

Polished concrete floors flow through the entry to the living areas, contrasting against the warmth of the immaculately detailed cedar screen to the stairs which lead up to the private master sanctuary above.

The importance of timber elements extends to the furnishings, which include a wall unit and custom designed dining table in American Ash, both designed and crafted by Wellington furniture designer Ian Rouse to fit the house.

The overall result is a light-filled, sustainable home that embraces the natural warmth and texture of timber throughout.