By Alignworks
Live / Work Warehouse Conversion
The brief for this project was to create a compelling and sustainable urban lifestyle for our family; 2 architects and 2 primary school aged children.
The project adopts a former NZ Post mail sorting warehouse in the heart of Epsom, 650m2 over 2 levels, which now houses both our home and studio.
The location satisfied the needs of proximity to public transport, greenspaces, schools and amenities within a balanced mixed-use environment of commercial and residential neighbours.
The building had existing qualities that could be retained and celebrated, including extensive tawa flooring, robust steel frame structure, “Corbusian” ribbon windows, and an elegant roofline that provided a large internal volume with intimacy.
Exterior thresholds and light penetration into the building were created by two large voids carved into the envelope; one at the ground level producing a sheltered entry and parking space, and another in the upper level to create a central open-to-sky roof garden courtyard around which the house flows.
Varied width and depth vertical cedar shiplap weatherboards line the cut surfaces into the building.
Industrial materials and re-used components combine with new refined elements and proportioned spaces to provide a simple and unique setting for integrated everyday family life.
Our practice is born from a family of architects and was first established in Auckland over 20 years ago by Allan Lowe with a tradition for a wide variety of project types. For the last 10 years the practice has been managed by Rob and Jennie Aerts after their time practicing in San Francisco. As the firm has developed so to have the premises: from Three Kings to Parnell and now to the current location in the heart of Epsom.
We are a skilled and passionate design practice committed to uncovering the unique and specific story of each project.
Whatever the project, we believe delivering high quality architecture with high quality customer service. Our approach to all projects, regardless of scale or budget, is to firstly understand the vision of the client, and then deliver the outcome desired in a practical, achievable and lasting manner. We excel at solving difficult problems with constant attention to light, space and proportion.