Matakana House
By Crosson Architects
The brief was for a house following sustainable design principles, and reflecting rural, shed-like forms that would sit comfortably on a bush-clad site. The building sits long and low across a ridge, at once anchored to the site and floating above the extensive nature bush.
A materials palette of rustic steel cladding, Corten steel, timber and glass has been used. The built form reinterprets the traditional shed by inverting the roof, allowing afternoon sun to be drawn into the interior below the eaves. The timber-framed roof form is plywood lined and appears to float above the Corten steel back wall.
A busy roadway runs along the western boundary of the site: the house presents a solid back to it. The Corten rusted metal cladding to this back wall, along with a Corten fireplace unit to the living zone, serves to anchor the building site.
Entry to the house is at the lower level into a foyer, where the polished concrete floor lifts slightly to continue into the stair, transitioning into timber along a screen of timber battens extending upwards to the first floor landing, where the occupant is presented with a first glimpse of the view.
Beyond the landing, the open plan living zone opens to the north and west with decks on both sides. The plywood ceiling floats above and the timber decks push outwards. Black joinery reflects the shadowing of the bush beyond and connects the house visually to the site.
The main bedroom is pushed forward from the landing to hover over the site, while projecting into the bush. The bedroom and ensuite spaces both command spectacular views and morning sun. Steel mesh screens modulate the view and provide a reference to its rural surrounds.
Products used in
Matakana House
Professionals used in
Matakana House
More projects from
Crosson Architects
About the
Professional
Crosson Architects is an Auckland based architectural practice with an exceptional portfolio of work. Past projects include residential, commercial, institutional, masterplanning and urban design developments. Ken Crosson and his team have won numerous architectural awards locally and internationally with work being regularly published here and around the world.
Our commitment to providing a superior service to our clients is extended with membership in Designgroup New Zealand, enabling larger scale projects to be undertaken, drawing on a range of resources and expertise from partnering practices. We strive for the highest standards of client service, design and documentation. At the completion of each project, the aim is to have achieved a building that is beyond the client's expectations. We believe good design will produce sustainable, functional and dramatic spaces and buildings that have an enduring quality over time.
Each project is analysed for its special requirements and opportunities: the end result being not a preconceived idea, but a combination of the client's requirements and desires, a response to the site and the budget. Critical consideration is given to the project's specific environmental and historical context, and to the appropriate use of materials and construction methods.
At the heart of the process is the collaboration between the client and the architect. At Crosson Architects we create – and the process is vigorous and robust, rich and rewarding. Amongst other elements, we consider the physical, psychological and spiritual – achieving an outcome that is unique and life-enhancing.
We would love to offer you the opportunity to realise your dream with Ken and the team at Crosson Architects.