The 686m2 site is a subdivided strip of garden set amongst existing homes in a sheltered Eastbourne street, with existing mature native trees. The clients desired a low-maintenance, warm and energy efficient home for their collected art and artifacts and to accommodate visiting family. They had been seeking an appropriate site for some time.

The house is a long slender form, set down into the site and forming one of its boundaries. This approach allowed retention of most of the trees and garden, and nestled the house beneath a height restriction imposed by the parent allotment. The dark stained cedar and natural concrete block allow the building to recede amongst the trees, a subtle design approach that gives it the appearance of having always been there. A shaped white canopy element lends a lightness to the form, and aids to identify the garden room and the terrace as outdoor rooms. The interior utilises simple and elegant hoop pine ply ceilings and joinery and honed concrete floors. Extensive glazing to the north permits passive solar gain, and draws the garden in to the interior.

The house incorporates thermally broken aluminium joinery and heat pump hot water and underfloor heating.

AWARDS

• 2013 NZIA Branch Award

PUBLICATIONS

• HOUSES Issue 25 2012