Designed by Noel Jessop, Noel Jessop Architecture
From the building designer:
The brief
The homeowners wanted a simple family home connecting family and the environment on this special Waikato site.
Interior spaces were to allow for family connection but also provide privacy for adults and children alike – a sanctuary for adults and freedom for growing children.
All the spaces need connection to the environment, allowing space for the children to come and go while interacting with the interior living.
The site demanded the home take advantage of the multiple views on offer.
Simple platforms were preferred to allow for a shorted construction timeline, but material selections needed to offer depth and detail.
The design solution
The site – on the edge of a large embankment and elevated with extended views east over the city beyond – evoked a design philosophy based on forming a long, low room.
This simple form allows the spaces to connect to the environment, offers light open spaces and could be orientated to flood every room with morning sun.
This long north/south orientated form also provides protection from the western and southern winds.
The home pivots around a small but crucial entry space, linking the interior spaces with minimal hallways.
All areas of home, divided by key function, hinge from this point.