Located in the beachside suburb of Sumner, the design for this home had to negotiate numerous obstacles: a long narrow site located in a flood hazard area, powerlines hindering access, and an adjoining neighbour on the boundary.
The central axis of the new building mimics the floor plate of the dilapidated cottage that originally inhabited the site. The garage and rear living wings play on the original cottage’s gable form and stagger in plan to create courtyards that bring light into the interior spaces allowing snippets of exterior views.
The design maximises the site yet does not compromise on form or functionality. From the street, the gable form frontage is clad in Abodo Sioo:x timber cladding and reclaimed bricks encase the entrance; a glass-fronted door offers a sight line down the textured lime-plastered hallway to the outside space beyond.
On entry, the house reveals a light-filled open plan living area where a soaring double height ceiling and mezzanine level embraced by a balustrade cased in fluted timber mouldings, provide a sense of drama and space.
The use of natural materials and curves throughout the interior soften the architectural details and every ounce of space has been carefully crafted. Upstairs windows capture views of the surrounding Port Hills, storage abounds, and a hidden room for the kids adds a playful element to this family home.
Interior Design: Abbie Herniman, The Home Maker
Urbanfunction is a design collaborative based in the central city of Christchurch, New Zealand that draws on a range of skill and experience to deliver a diverse range of residential and commercial architectural projects both at home in beautiful Aotearoa and internationally.
Design director Aaron Jones formed both zerobag and urbanfunction on his return from years of working abroad in Melbourne and London.
With 20 years experience in the industry, Aaron draws on a range of global experience. From technical detailing and construction in stadium building to design, detailing and marketing of high end residential and commercial projects for both client and developer.
The importance of Architecture and design within society, we believe is everything. As space, light and visual context affect mood and function within ourselves and those around us, it is critical we live within well considered environments. Considered not only for the purpose of which a building or product is to function but also to it's own environment and surroundings. This forms part of the core philosophy as to how we approach design.