Flanked on each side by views across the Paraparaumu Golf Course to the east and Kāpiti Island to the west, the site was a long term vision and specifically chosen by long-standing and repeat clients, Paul and Maureen. Elevated above the rest of the street and visible from the clubhouse, the retired couple who share a passion for golf had aspirations to build a multi-generational home close to their local course. The brief placed emphasis on both the quality and durability of materials to withstand the harsh coastal environment, and a design that strategically positioned itself to maximise views, provide shelter from sea breezes and privacy from neighbours, all with the ability to subdivide in the future.

Each construction is expressed in its material. Insulated precast concrete panels are left raw, becoming a datum and a base in which two light weight aluminium clad forms sit upon, each with their own identity. A twisted roof structure, inspired by the topographic contours of Kāpiti Island runs east to west, with the volume split by two 8m high concrete panels and full height glazing. Stormwater is collected via on-ground rain gardens enabling the roof and wall cladding lines to wrap seamlessly.

The north wing stands in contrast as a minimalist silhouette. A low pitch roof conceals the use of solar panels while a subtle cantilever and a tapered cedar rainscreen evoke an illusion of the home lightly touching the site from the street elevation. These two opposing forms are tied together with an elegant glass bridge, housing the entrance foyer and lift.

The floor plan reveals itself by deliberately suppressing the views until carefully curated window placement offer moments of pause. The compression and release of ceiling heights together with changes of materiality create a clear delineation of spaces. The main wing of the home is bookended with floor to ceiling glazing and folded birch ceilings, echoing the external roof form. American white oak is used extensively throughout the home, contrasting the concrete and bringing warmth to the interior spaces. Frosted glazing is used in place of traditional walls and doors, allowing for a sense of openness while maintaining privacy.

Completed while with foster+melville.

View the Project Team here.