Follow the river

Designed by Cate Creemers

From the architect:

Project description & architect's statement

My partner Robert and I stumbled upon this very special site in Clevedon, a few minutes from where we live and work, two years ago. 

We both instantly connected with the site and the opportunities it afforded. 

The setting

Surrounded by farmland and rural lifestyle development the site is situated upon the narrow crest of a gently sloping ridge line of the river terrace. 

This promontory was formed by the Wairoa River and overlooks the Wairoa River floodplains, wetlands and directly north, the landmark te nīkau pā (Clevedon Scenic Reserve). 

A natural landmark and significant to ngāi tai ki tāmaki who are the original inhabitants of the maunga te nikau pā.

The site and surrounding landforms were carved by the Wairoa River over millennia as it made its meandering journey from the Hunua Ranges (7km to the north east) to the coast, thus called the river terraces. 

The landforms respond to the push and pull of the Wairoa.

It was an amazing opportunity as an architect to take on the role of both designer and developer – thus affording us complete control over the development of the site, taking it from bare grassland to a dwelling that embeds in the landscape through expansion of the existing wetlands, and extensive native and exotic planting.

The thinking was that we would combine my skills and experience as an architect, and Robert’s horticultural knowledge, skills and passion for planting. 

It was also an opportunity to put into practice the training I have undertaken over the past few years around regenerative design and a chance to utilise modelling and sustainability rating tools.

The intention of the design of the dwelling and landscaping was to respond to the echo of the Wairoa River. 

The home

The form of the building was guided by the topography and outlook. 

The approach and entry are on the south side with bedrooms and living strung out along the articulated east elevation. 

The passage running from north to south provides slot views of the flood plain eastward, following the path of the Wairoa. 

Plus, the passage also serves as a gallery. 

The garage, bathrooms & laundry are to the west and are arranged to create a sheltered service court, screened from the neighbouring house site by the Totara hedging. 

The passage culminates in the open plan living spaces with the dominant view being of maunga te nikau pā (Clevedon Hill).

The future owner was unknown so the brief needed to provide adaptability. 

The dwelling is set up as a three bedroom home with a second lounge/media room that can be converted to a fourth bedroom or home office.

Universal design principles have been followed so with minor adaptions the dwelling can be made accessible to people of all abilities at any stage of life.

The landscaping

The site was bare and in grass when we purchased it in October 2023.

A landscaping design concept was completed by Tony Murrell of Murrell Gardens in July 2023. 

Planting started prior to settlement and approximately 6 months prior to building works commencing

Tony Murrell, Tony Murrell Landscape Designs, on his design intent

“My intention for the garden design was to not only create a wonderful environment around the home but also to connect the scheme with the wider environment and ultimately connect to the bird corridor and local habitat.

"We were so lucky that most of the plants could be sourced from local growers and as such worked from the day they were planted – soil, planting and aftercare have been closely monitored allowing adjustments to be made effectively.

"The garden will evolve and develop into a true sanctuary and I look forward to returning in the future and seeing this very special place again.”

Planting beds were to merge with the wetlands to the north and overlap boundaries to provide soft edges rather than straight boundary lines of planting. 

Around 5200 native and exotic plants have been established.

A Totara hedge that starts halfway down the driveway follows and emphasises the form of the river terrace. 

This hedge was part of my design from the outset. 

It brings down the scale of the building and serves to provide partial screening and shelter to the driveway court. 

To the west the hedge defines the service court where the building steps in. 

It also wraps around the front of the master suite and provides for a future sheltered court, that looks out to the wetlands in the foreground and Clevedon Hill beyond.

The Totara hedging in time will fill out and is excellent not only as a visual screen affording privacy but also provides shelter from the prevailing south westerly wind and shading when the sun drops in the afternoon, reducing the potential of overheating.

Sustainability

Construction waste minimisation

Green Gorilla was used for construction waste removal – 76% of construction waste was diverted from landfill over the 12 month construction period.

Reduced embodied carbon

Predominantly timber structure and cladding was used.

Reduced concrete use was part of the construction plan and where it was required low carbon concrete was used – such as for the garage. 

Keeping things local

Local builders and tradespeople were used, along with local suppliers and local materials were also used wherever possible. 

On site rainwater harvesting and an on site effluent disposal system were also employed.

Future provision for electricity generation and water efficiency

Water efficient tapware and sanitary fittings and water efficient appliances were specified throughout.

Energy efficiency

The home boasts a high performance thermal envelope.

External openings – APL Thermal Heart series thermally broken; double glazed using high performance glazing – Solux Ultra.

Thermally modelled building using ECCHO (New Zealand Green Building Council energy and carbon calculator) to optimise the building thermal envelope and reduce space heating and cooling demands.

The 140mm wide timber framing to external walls allows for greater insulation.

In addition, Equus warm roof over flat roofs, 80mm air insulation is installed on top of the roof structure. 

This reduces thermal bridging and pushes the dew point to the outside of the building, reducing the risk of internal moisture in the roof space.

Two layers of insulation to skillion roofs, between rafters and between ceiling battens, provides a more continuous insulation layer.

Energy efficient space heating and cooling

Living in the locality, I understand the weather patterns and know that air conditioning is not required if the building is designed carefully with regard to passive solar design principles and a high quality thermal envelope. 

As this was a speculative home, I needed to accommodate a wide range of potential users and expectations. 

We decided on a VRV system which has a high user control aspect. 

It does not need to be used at all, but if it is (as for a hotel) each room/zone can be individually controlled

Energy efficient hot water heating cop 5.24 was used and led light fittings were used predominantly throughout house.

Excellent natural daylighting reduces lighting requirements

Passive solar design principals

Living areas are north facing, with appropriate shading – thus optimising solar gain in the winter and minimising solar gain in the summer.

We minimised west glazing, and where it was required, vegetation was introduced as shading. 

Service areas are generally on the west face.

Large openings and roof windows address the thermal stack effect – warm air rising, cool air drawn in.

Cross ventilation is employed to cool areas as required.

Story by: Trendsideas