By Dravitzki Brown Architecture
The Raetz House leverages the best of a sloping site located in the Jack’s Point subdivision in Queenstown. The living room cantilevers off part of the slope, which not only allows the occupants to enjoy the best views but also limits the amount of site disturbance.
A large amount of north-facing glazing captures the all-day sun, warming the exposed concrete floors by day, while slowly releasing the thermal energy by night. The exterior of the home utilises in situ concrete panels and cedar weatherboard cladding.
"Dravitzki Brown have been a great architectural studio to work with. The vision that we as the owners had and the vision Alister and Katrina put forward resulted in a great design that was both affordable and outstanding in its finished form... We are thoroughly enjoying living in our house and the steady stream of drive-by photographers keeps us amused most weekends. The house design certainly added to the diversity and interest of Jacks Point. I would have no hesitation to engage Dravitzki-Brown for any future building projects." - Hans & Suzy Raetz
Designs that incorporate our clients ideas, and then exceed their expectations. Alister and Katrina believe listening is the key.
“Great buildings are the result of a great team. The builder, the client and the architect all play a vital role.”
Dravitzki & Brown are a husband and wife duo committed to designing beautiful buildings with functional spaces that enhance people’s lives. They give their clients a professional service with a down to earth approach. Based in Queenstown since 2008 they understand the design challenges created by its harsh climate. Although mostly designing locally around Queenstown and Wanaka they have designed a number of projects in different parts of New Zealand, including Greytown, New Plymouth, Dunedin, Oamaru.
Their strength lies in their ability to design buildings which have a consistent design language, both in the overall form and the way materials are used. Their extensive knowledge in complex detailing brings these designs to life, whilst their photo-realistic renderings ensure clients can see and understand the vision well before construction starts.
Alister and Katrina are experts in designing all aspects of complex spaces; juggling proportion, size, scale, sun, views, clients brief and budgets altogether which form the basis of all designs
Both Alister & Katrina are current architecture graduate members of the NZIA, New Zealand Institute of Architects.