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Originally designed by prominent architect Friedrich Eisenhofer in the 1970’s, Seaview offered an incredibly unique and exciting renovation opportunity. With a primary intention to respect the authentic character of the building, we aimed to create a harmonious marriage between 70’s modernism and contemporary architecture.

With a meandering footprint terraced down four levels of the hillside, the building concealed a unique entertainment-centric layout: centered on a semi-enclosed courtyard and swimming pool privately nested at the building’s core.

We intended to maintain the character of the original design and provide an outcome that reinforces the notion of entertainment. Using the internal courtyard as a focal point, the primary works of the renovation involved a complete reconfiguration of the existing Kitchen, Dining and Living spaces; creating an open plan environment between all three functions with simplified movement paths and visual connections between all.

A primary incentive of the design was to add purpose to previously neglected spaces to the rear of the swimming pool. In order to integrate these spaces within the experience of the home, this primary level of the house was split into a multi-emotive environment, experienced through two notional zones; dry & wet. The ‘dry’ zone focuses on extroversion and entertainment, containing the primary living, dining, and kitchen spaces, while the ‘wet’ zone focuses on introversion and wellbeing, containing the swimming pool, integrated spa, open shower, yoga space, and daybed. These introspective functions occupy the once vacant spaces within the home, creating areas of value and serenity.

Centered within these wet zone functions is the existing entry stairwell, which floats above vegetation planted in an integrated garden bed below at the base of the stair. With a common theme of tropical gardens, internalised planting and- strong connections with the surrounding landscape seen across Eisenhofer projects, the addition of this garden bed acts as a strong focal point of the design, and looks to enhance the property in line with design values exhibited by the original designer

Seaview’s exceptional outcome gave both a nod to the original architecture and a breath of fresh design to the home, ultimately creating a slice of harmonious paradise for our clients.

About the
Professional

Voxell is a Wellington-based architecture and urban design company, specialising in residential and commercial design.

We create spaces that are beautiful and durable and that truly maximise the space we are designing for.

Working collaboratively with our clients, we take them on a seamless and transparent journey, led by bespoke design, digital innovation, co-creation and problem solving.

Our results speak for themselves with high-quality, inspiring spaces that reflect our client’s requirements and aspirations.

Every project is unique, and every project has its own context, purpose and drive. Each space we create considers the individual surroundings, function and future use to ensure that we are creating the best spaces with and for our clients.

Get in touch with us today to talk about how you can utilize our design expertise to realise your vision.

At ArchiPro we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.