Urban Shed Mt Eden
CONTEXT
The re-invention of a displaced 1920's bungalow into a modern,
contextual, architectural home.
DESIGN
The bones of the old house remain and have received a fresh,
clean-lined skin of natural Zincalume and plywood. The linear axis
of the original 'shotgun' plan has been reinforced by the alignment
of new structural elements to enhance the connection with the site
and the landscape beyond toward Mangawhau - Mt Eden.
The street façade presents complementary elements varying in
form and texture with the central, illuminated 'lantern' courtyard
marking the entrance. At the rear, the outdoor room and adjacent
master bedroom suite provide transitions between interior spaces
and the garden with views to the mountain.
A palette of naturally expressed materials has been used from
smooth, 'off the form' concrete to rough, caged scoria, excavated
from the site for the swimming pool, in the galvanized mesh cages
of the gabion walls.
Underpinning the architectural focus are sound principles of
sustainable design. The exposed concrete floor slab of the outdoor
room provides thermal mass for passive heating while the operable
pivoting doors, glass louvre walls, and sliding shutters provide
natural ventilation and cooling. High levels of insulation; sun
screens; solar hot water heating; and wood burner space heating
with wetback have been thoughtfully implemented in the design and
detailing of this project.
NZIA RESENE National AWARD WINNER 2007
NZIA Resene Local Award Winner 2006
"A successful conversion of a
bungalow done creatively, featuring a well co-ordinated link to the
existing part of the house, and showing a real understanding of the
demands of busy households in terms of spaces and materials. The
ingenious lift-up doors to the living room are evidence of clever
thinking, which is carried through into furniture and landscaping
design." Jury Citation