Buckley Road

HOUSES

31 Oct

Written By First Light Studio

Having quickly outgrown the existing house, the family of four needed a bigger space to grow and to enjoy. Subdividing and building offered the perfect opportunity to remain on the site and in the community that they love.

The design response sympathetically marries a steep and exposed site with the needs of a growing, tight-knit family. Spaces for independence and varying degrees of togetherness meander their way down the 25-degree slope via a naturally lit central staircase.

2022 NZIA Wellington Architecture Awards
2021 Registered Master Builders Awards

Built: 2021
Builder: iConstruct
Images: Andy Spain
The sloping site, while difficult in terms of access, offers unimpeded views over Island Bay, Wellington’s South Coast, and the Kaikoura Ranges beyond - not to mention all-day sun. A careful balance needed to be struck between making the most of these attributes while maintaining privacy and outlook for the existing semi-detached dwelling to the East. The response is a humble but confident form with a floor plate that steps its way down in sync with the existing topography.
A short bush walk separates the approach from its neighbours, revealing only glimpse of the view which is otherwise reserved for the main living space. The end point of the journey is a large west-facing deck, elevated above its surrounds and oriented toward the view and afternoon sun.
Upon entry, a cosy yet open-plan lounge area enjoys midday sun and the landing opposite provides a place to study, work and play while remaining connected to the rest of the goings on. The master bedroom and ensuite enjoy views over the Cook Strait and the setting summer sun.
Two boy’s bedrooms and bathroom flank the next stair landing and are cleverly interlocked with the floor plan below to make the most of every square inch.
The open plan kitchen, dining, living space comes as a discovery at the foot of the stairs with expansive views across the valley. A sloping ceiling, which mimics the site gradient, creates a lofty entertaining space with recessed fire nook, storage and kitchen tucked into its walls.
The main contribution that this project has toward sustainability is the efficient use of otherwise under-utilised land, adding to the pool of housing in a place with pre-established infrastructure and public transport. Additional load on this infrastructure has been mitigated through stormwater detention and off-street carparking.
The home also enabled the family to remain within their existing community as opposed to moving further out just to afford the space they require. They have since been able to maintain important ties with their community & schools without needing to commute from afar.
While limited on budget, the clients had a strong commitment to building a home that would last and outperform what might otherwise be permitted under the current Building Code. Thicker walls with increased insulation, low-e coatings on the glass, higher grade plywood and battening, hardwood floors etc, all contribute to a home that will stand the test of time.
The home is compact, providing just what the growing family needs without waste, and utilises a high degree of locally sourced materials, timber predominantly.
2022 NZIA Wellington Architecture Award
Winner - Housing
Jury's comment: On first appearance this is a humble gabled home, but a closer encounter exposes a glowing timber entry porch that has been carved out of the dark exterior façade. Once inside, the simple planning concept of a long central stair is revealed. The stair acts as an internal 'laneway' as it steps down the site over its three levels. It provides access to both private and communal spaces along the way, enabling the family to be well-connected throughout the home. Strategically placed windows and skylights illuminate the house and provide coastal views stretching to the South Island, while still allowing for privacy from neighbours. This is a simple and clever home full of surprises.
2021 Registered Master Builders Awards - House of The Year
Wellington & Wairarapa - New Home $750,000 - $1,000,000
Jury's comment: A steep slope, tricky access and unstable soil? No worries for the iConstruct builders who were able to overcome the challenges and craft this beautiful architectural home. Significant engineering was required to anchor the 149sqm house to the difficult site, but the results are stunning – and so are the views over Cook Strait. The three-bedroom house also captures all-day sun for the family in residence. It’s clear this home has been built to respect its environs – it follows the natural slope of the land and its dark tones complement the surrounding bush. The cladding incorporates beautiful timber rain screens, one discreetly hiding the laundry door. Clever. Inside, natural light floods in through bespoke skylights. The bathroom and ensuite, which have white subway tiles, enjoy vistas, but also seclusion and intimacy. High windows in the living zones invite sun and views of treetops, but maintain privacy. The kitchen, with clean, matte-white finishes, oak accents and handle-free cabinetry, is a streamlined affair. And the deck? It’s big – for those big, beautiful views.