By Imagine Architecture
The brief from the client was for a modernist style house which would embrace their 1960’s eclecticism, harness the panoramic ocean views and be an enduring design for a special location. In designing this house the form and proportions were inspired from the designer’s research into the work of Marcel Breuer and the Bauhaus movement. This is especially evident in the southern street approach with the timber siding, floating box forms and cubist layering.
The 3 bedroom, 2 living room home also needed to accommodate three cars, a boat, kayaks and numerous surfboards. The solution was provided with a generous double garage and a 2 bay carport which has been carefully positioned as a portal to frame the coast and surf beyond.
The plan solution was to split the house over two levels connected via a central stair lobby and a lift. The upper level contained main living spaces, master suite and library. The lower level containing a further two bedrooms and living room. With adult children the idea is that the owners could live upstairs in their 1 bedroom “apartment” with the flexibility to use the lower level for family and visitors as required. Positioning main living on the upper level enabled the coastal views to be fully embraced and it was elevated to ensure the beach was visible over the sand dunes. All bedrooms and living spaces were oriented to the north for both sun and views. The utility, bathroom and storage spaces are all positioned to the south.
The ocean façade features extruded wall and soffit profiles. Their practical application supports the low-tech, passive solar design approach of harnessing and managing the sun’s energy through abundant north facing glazing and storing it in the thermal mass of masonry walls and insulated concrete floor slabs. To cool the house a thin plan allows excellent cross-flow ventilation enhanced by the stack effect of the entrance atrium. Spacing of the cedar slats to the north were calculated to block the high angle summer sun and let in the low angle winter sun.
Supplementary heating is by a log fire for the upper level and a hydronic water in-slab floor heating system to the lower.
The entry foyer provides a dramatic central connecting axis to the house. 1960’s influences include the steel balustrading fixed to cantilevered stair treads and a “very hard to source” stunning green, 100% wool carpet providing the background to the period furniture, fixtures and fittings. The carpet colour was then taken outside through the custom tinted painted plaster walls.
Sustainable Tasmanian Oak is used throughout the house. All joinery including the kitchen, library and wardrobes were designed as part of the commission with the motif to the front of the kitchen repeated on the beach access gate. At 3.4m the upper level ceiling creates a dramatic canopy which extends out over the large purple heart timber deck. A full photometric study was done to ensure artificial light levels via LED, halogen and compact fluorescent fixtures would be fit for purpose.
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.