By Preston Lane
Mawhera Extension re-organises the internal spaces of a period home on a sloping site which had undergone previous alterations. The clients, a family of five, loved the house and location but longed for greater connection between internal living spaces and the garden at the lower level.
The main living and dining area is modest in size but allows for different activities to coexist. Window seating offers a comfortable place to sit on the edge of the room in the sun, similarly, a study nook mediates between living and stair void. The house has grown in functionality and serves the families growing needs. Natural ventilation and light-filled spaces add to the liveability of the home.
Preston Lane Architects is an award winning architectural practice focused on providing innovative and successful design solutions that are responsive to both our client’s needs and the environment. We have an appetite for design and strongly believe that high quality design outcomes add value.
The practice brings together the diverse professional experiences of directors, Daniel Lane and Nathanael Preston. Our combined experience ranges from small scale highly crafted residential projects to larger scale urban design. We also have extensive experience in the management of multi-disciplinary teams on large commercial projects.
We undertake projects of varying size, complexity and cost and are currently working on a range of project typologies including commercial, retail, hospitality, government, industrial, heritage and residential including new houses and renovations/extensions.
With offices in Hobart and Melbourne we are exposed to different opportunities and environments within which to work, allowing each of us to contribute a wider range of experiences to our clients and our architecture. All projects are shared between offices providing the unique opportunity to have an ‘outsider’ review and challenge evolving concepts.
Our architectural solutions provide a fresh approach, endeavouring to exceed the aspirations of our clients through the understanding of their unique requirements and ‘place’ of each project. We are committed to producing high quality design, whilst always remaining focused on the delivery of projects within time and budget constraints.
Design outcomes are developed following rigorous analysis of both brief and site. The understanding of the environment and ‘place’, is integral in our approach, and informs all aspects of our architecture. Our design approach establishes long term solutions and does not subscribe to the fashionable aspects of contemporary design. Often, perceived constraints in a project provide unique opportunities and it is through intelligent analysis and questioning, a successful outcome can be produced.
The design process is a tough, exciting and enjoyable journey that we share together with our clients.