QT Crib
Designed for the toughest client: the architect and his family, this home in Queenstown’s Shotover Country conforms to a tight, oddly shaped site, while providing space and comfort for a family of four, plus a two bedroom rental unit. The resulting home is barn-like in aesthetics and feels spacious, contemporary and warm, with a high level of insulation and detailing to ensure the everyday satisfaction of the designer/ homeowner.
Everything Irie
Parents of teenagers often struggle to provide the space kids need to grow in independence while still keeping them close enough to lend support. For these clients, their two teenage boys were beginning to spread their wings - and they could see the family home was no longer providing the space they needed.
This solution uses an existing home office across the driveway from the main house as a base, expanding outwards and upwards to create two bedrooms, a study space, a bathroom and a kitchen - essentially a self-contained flat for the boys to inhabit in their late teen years and beyond. With a form that echoes that of the family home and windows positioned for sun and views, this is sure to be a popular solution for the whole family.
Beach House Renovation
Located in the harbourside suburb of Beachlands, this project involved designing an affordable solution for a family of five who needed more space than their existing three-bedroom home could provide. With their three daughters growing up, the clients required a fourth bedroom, and also requested a space where they could break away from family life, with a master ensuite, walk-in wardrobe and a second lounge with access to a re-designed deck.
The laundry, previously located in a hall cupboard, was also moved to a purpose-built space, and the existing bathroom renovated to make daily life smooth and easy as the girls grow into teenhood. Happily moved in since the beginning of 2022, the girls have now taken full ownership of their very own bedrooms - and the parents are enjoying being able to escape from the hustle of family life in their upgraded master suite.
Home Street Renovation
The owners of this classic bungalow in the central Auckland suburb of Arch Hill required an upgrade from the original 1950s. kitchen to a modern working space that would cater to their busy family life. A white subway tile provides a textured backdrop to the stainless steel workbench. Open shelving allows for display of favourite crockery and a movable island doubles as working and dining space. The original cooking fire was retained as a character piece, used to store pots and pans, and the scullery was converted to a walk-in pantry. The resulting design is sympathetic to the character of the building while providing for the needs of a modern family.