Playful, angular home makes all the right connections

Designed by Urban Function Architecture

From the designer:

Project description:

We designed this home for a young, growing family that regularly has overseas-based family members visit at short notice. 

The site had tricky topography and an odd boundary shape, yet incredible views across farmland to the west.

The brief was to maximise solar gain, maintain privacy for guests and family-life, maximise the views to the alps and give interesting surprises in spaces.

Design response:

Originally, the clients wanted the building positioned in a different location. 

However, we proved by cranking the plan and positioning the core of the building facing north/west, we could not only create interesting internal spaces but could also provide them both the solar gain they required along with differing views in all directions.

The main ground floor steps gently down the sloping site across three separate levels.

The level changes create a feeling of transition taking one on a journey from main living spaces, via interesting nooks and ‘caves’ for contemplation or escape, to the main bedroom which opens up to a three metre-high ceiling and grand views to the alps.

Both the main bedroom and ensuite feel completely disconnected from the rest of the home by being orientated differently with no windows that allow sight to the dwelling core.

Upstairs is accessed via an open tread stairway that captures alpine views from the main entry and allows transparency through the entire building. 

This is the children’s domain.

With an open aerial linkway and void to downstairs, parents have an audible connection to the kids playing upstairs, yet they have their own sense of space and freedom.

This house has a sense of playfulness and calm brought about through an idea of altering volume and geometry.

The angular nature of this plan allows one to find private spaces and disconnect when required if the home is filled with overseas visitors.

Story by: New Zealand TIDA Homes

Photography by: Stephen Entwisle