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Eagle’S Nest

The brief called for a contemporary style, with a rustic Coromandel aspect to accommodate the client’s style. Single level living was required for the couple, with self-contained living below for family. A pole construction design resulted, terracing down the slope and dramatically bisected by a full height entrance and stairwell with views to the gulf. A corten steel façade and stone chimney reference the mining heritage of Coromandel, and continue the organic flavour.

A decaying three level A-Frame bach had been in the family for years. The owners believed the site was too restrictive to redevelop due to its narrow 18 meter width, coupled with the very steep terrain and related daylight angle issues. When they could find no nearby sites to compare, we began looking at the brief and working towards a solution. 

The site is on a long thin peninsula and slopes steeply to the north west away from the road down to the rocky shore. Native plants cover the site and surrounding area. Expansive views are enjoyed north over the Hauraki Gulf and islands.

The brief called for a contemporary style, with a rustic Coromandel aspect to accommodate an eclectic mixture of possessions built up over years in the bach. The views were to be as unrestricted as possible as a progression from the earlier narrow A-frame outlook.

Particular challenges of the site included: 

 

  • Restrictive day lighting angles combined with the narrowness of the site.
  •  Dealing with slope in terms of car parking and project build methodology.
  •  Capturing morning sun due to  the building platform nesting  below the ridge line road to the   east.
  •  Creating shelter from changeable winds to 
  •     enable outdoor living.

Specific client requests included:

  • Bold entrance way.
  • Art studio with views.
  •  View from ensuite bath.
  •  Large storage area for gardening equipment .

Design Features and Creative Solutions

A two level pole construction was adopted to deal with the slope. The design terraces down the site with the lower floor tucked below the upper level to limit pole lengths and to form the structure for decking above. The cubic forms of the four dwelling components (living, master suite, guest suite and art studio) are dramatically bisected by a full height entrance and stairway. This space leads the eye on a vertical traverse from stairs to vegetated slope, rocky shore, ocean, islands and sky, as a contrasting preview of the more horizontal vistas to follow.

Neighbours were extensively consulted and convinced as to the benefits of mutual consents for daylight encroachments, in maximizing their narrow sites. 

This lead to concept design for one neighbour’s home, including images of view implications of each home, before consent was given.

The living pavilion has stacking doors for views, and to extend the site restricted living space each way. South east and north west outdoor areas allow sun and wind flexibility.

Energy efficiency is addressed through solar orientation, sunlight control with eaves to glazing ratio, cross flow ventilation, high level insulation & double glazing.

Internally, rustic timber flooring and a stone chimney offset a neutral palette and invite the owner’s rustic furnishings into the contemporary space.

Externally, dark band sawn weatherboards are used for a natural aesthetic to blend with the bush surrounds. A feature corten steel façade and Coromandel stone chimney reference the mining heritage of the area, and continue the organic flavour of the home.

As the house is set down below the road the aesthetics of the roof were very important. The Trimrib™ lines were chosen to deliberately reflective of the sea swell and chop lines in the Hauraki Gulf beyond & provide continuity with the strong lines of the weatherboard cladding. The ironsand colour was chosen to blend with the native bush setting.

There is a very low pitch central roof axis above the entry/stairs in membrane and the trough profile roof provides a visual contrast to this flat area of roof and creates visual interest with glimpses of the bush and shoreline.

Design House Architecture

A Hamilton based design firm lead by Director Kris Wilson. Kris has over 10 year's experience in the construction industry working primarily in the Waikato and Coromandel areas.

Our Company mission is to create simple, bold designs using sound aesthetic and practical principles in order to maximize site potential and achieve client satisfaction.

We understand the need for simplicity of structure, which leads to a simplicity of form & the use of proven materials. At Design House we are actively up-skilling in the field of sustainable design, with the goal of creating comfortable, healthy, energy efficient buildings. We focus on, and specialize in residential design, whilst also working with light commercial and education sector clients.

Kris believes communication is the key component of the design process. This begins with the client brief and extends to communication with councils, consultants and trades, always keeping the client informed of relevant outcomes. Communication is also important visually, so all concepts are 3D rendered for client approval. 3D modelling allows for great flexibility, and in conjunction with cost management input, provides for client's peace of mind, before proceeding to detailed design and construction.

Kris is an active member of Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ), and benefits significantly from the organisations inclusive culture and continuing pursuit of excellence.

Clients: George & Fran Campbell.

Architectural Designer: Kris Wilson,

Telephone: 021 574 700

Website: www.designhouse.co.nz

Member of  the ADNZ

Main contractor: Steve Wilson Design & Build,

Telephone: 0274 887 688

Engineer: Llandem Consulting engineers,

Telephone: 027 442 4234.

Roofing: Roofing Industries 

Trimrib™ 0.55BMT COLORSTEEL®