By Imagine Architecture
A site with complex contours and a brief for a large multilevel home for an owner/builder was the starting point for this project. The client’s requirements were for a home with 3 large bedrooms, a large office for his building business, large airy living areas and generous outdoor living space. The desire was for a tall and dramatic entry with attention to detail in the finish which would enable the owner to demonstrate his building skills to his clientele.
The form of the house was developed from the need notion of sculpting the house to the land rather than sculpting the land to the house. This was done by creating spaces around the contours and balancing any excavation with landscaping that would connect the house well with its environment. The house features high levels of specification with architectural series window joinery, extensive timber joinery and detailing, exposed steelwork and glass balustrading.
Key to the success of the design was the provision for ample entertaining space both internally and externally. This requirement is exemplified by the well-appointed outdoor kitchen which includes BBQ, sink, fridge and dishwasher in a stainless steel topped island. In contrast to the entertaining/social aspect of the home the master retreat on the upper level is the ultimate hideaway. It is spacious and self-contained complete with a kitchenette, large en-suite with bath and generous dressing room. A lift connects all four levels ensuring total accessibility. Relationships between spaces was critical with private and public spaces separated yet accessible.
A spur in the contour of the site provided a strong aspect for siting the main living spaces with its orientation to the sun, lake and native bush views. The layered roof planes were designed to float over the structure providing drama and protection. Large cantilevers are evident on the living room roof and are matched by the deck below. Approaching from the road above demanded special attention to keeping the membrane roof form clean with simple falls and minimal complex junctions ensuring an elegant aesthetic.
The entrance is connected to the exterior via a macrocarpa sleeper board walk with galvanised steel cantilevered pergola frames. The adjacent carport provides covered guest parking. The entry foyer with its 6m ceiling provides many vantage points giving numerous site lines within the home as well as to the outdoor vistas. Mid stair landing provides a connection to the living room with its 4.8m and 3m ceilings. The large areas of glazing have been offset with wide roof overhangs with the sun angles being carefully calculated in a low-tech, passive solar design approach of harnessing and managing the sun’s energy, storing it through a highly insulated envelope. To cool the house excellent cross-flow ventilation enhanced by the stack effect of the living and entrance atrium which have motorised high level opening windows. Heating is by a gas fire and ducted air source heat pump. The large basement garage provides generous workshop space, laundry and bathroom ensuring a practical base for the client’s business.
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Imagine Architecture (formerly Imagine Building Design) is a multi-award-winning architectural design practice established in 2002, specialising in residential and commercial design. With over two decades of experience and more than 1,000 commissions completed, we pride ourselves on delivering high-performance, innovative, and sustainable designs that positively impact lives.
Our journey began in a humble shoebox home office, evolved into historic premises at the Kings Building in New Plymouth, and later to a sleek downtown studio. Now, we have returned to a more personal approach with small studio setups: Tony Biesiek operates out of a studio suite in in Tauranga, while Steven Dixon leads our New Plymouth studio. This agile setup allows us to better serve clients across New Zealand and beyond, with projects extending to Australia and Italy.
At Imagine Architecture, our mission is simple yet profound: “Changing lives through great architecture & design.” We aim to create beautiful, functional spaces that harmonise aesthetics, energy efficiency, and comfort while fostering a deeper connection to the environment. To achieve this, we integrate Passive House principles, with Tony Biesiek’s certification as a Passive House Designer ensuring our designs meet and exceed the highest standards of energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and thermal performance. This approach guarantees healthier, more comfortable spaces that consume significantly less energy while reducing environmental impact.
In addition to Passive House design, we embrace biophilic design principles, emphasising the integration of natural elements into our projects. We believe buildings should enhance occupants’ physical and mental well-being by fostering connections with nature, whether through natural light, ventilation, materials, or spatial relationships. Our commitment to sustainability aligns with Pritzker Prize-winning architect Glenn Murcutt’s philosophy of “touching the earth lightly.” We design in harmony with the land, crafting structures that respect and respond to their natural surroundings.
Our projects, regardless of size or budget, are rooted in a commitment to quality and performance. Meeting minimum building code standards is not our goal—exceeding them is. Whether designing a new architectural home, a commercial space, or a bespoke renovation, we focus on maximising functionality, environmental interaction, and energy efficiency without compromising on design excellence.
Our practice thrives on relationships. Many of our commissions come through referrals, reflecting our focus on creating strong connections with clients. Clear, open communication, combined with exceptional service and innovative design solutions, ensures we meet aesthetic, functional, and financial requirements while exceeding expectations.
Imagine Architecture operates on the belief that better choices lead to better buildings. We embrace cutting-edge high-performance technology and sustainable practices to deliver spaces that inspire, endure, and adapt to the changing needs of clients and the environment. From Bay of Plenty and Taranaki to international locations, geography is no barrier to architectural excellence.
If you are seeking innovative, energy-efficient, and environmentally conscious design paired with technical expertise and superior communication, Imagine Architecture is the experienced team to bring your vision to life. Together, we can create spaces that not only look extraordinary but also improve lives and respect the planet.