Selected Project
Oliver House
A highly visible and exposed rural south sloping grass site on Kina Peninsular, this site has wonderful mountain and estuary views shafts. The house is designed to make the most of the south vistas while still maintaining sunny and light living areas. The gentle sloping site is approached from a curving road following the estuary and the house is first viewed from across the estuary at a distance of over 500m. The house roof is a low single mono pitch following the lay of the land and enhances the houses relationship to the land which is a key view at a distance. The house features large roof over hangs which contain cedar rafters to filter the low angle light from the east and west and enhance the low lying form. The columns that support the roof are vertical shiplap clad and provide an ordering and rhythm to the elevations and are suggestive of the old standing pines at the edge of the estuary. The house features a link way that connects the living areas to the bedroom wing. The link way is orientated on a north- south axis allowing for sheltered exterior sitting areas in the East for the morning sun and the West for the evening sun. This allows for northern sun light into the main living and kitchen areas with an extra height stud and raking ceiling allowing for additional top lights. The link way is glazed to allow for views from the east courtyard space to the Mount Arthur Range and contains steps for a change in height between the living areas and bedroom areas. The extensive size and floor area of the house required careful planning and site analysis for rooms to capture their own unique view and outdoor spaces to occupy outside, yet with shelter from the howling southerly or the predominate summertime afternoon sea breeze. The night living room enjoys views to Barnicoat range while the dining room contains views to both Barnicoat and Mount Arthur. Both these rooms share an outdoor sitting area under a timber slatted roof area. The day living room focus its views to Mount Arthur with snippets of views borrowed through the central joinery unit from the dining room. This has the option of an outdoor space to the west or sheltered into the west court yard. The master bedroom faces east and enjoys a vista to Tasman bay.
- Category
- 25 Year Award for Enduring Architecture
- Location
- Auckland
- Year
- 2023
