TE MAHOE

Named after the home that once stood on this site, which rests upon the sandstone cliffs that rise up from the southern end of Takapuna Beach, facing east toward Rangitoto and the Hauraki Gulf beyond.

A MAGICAL SITE

The site was a relatively narrow rectangle at the end of a right of way. The seaward third of the site was not suitable for siting a building due to geotechnical considerations.

CLIENT

Our client approached us as her brother, a designer in China, had researched Auckland Architects and felt that DMA might be a good fit, with a brief that explored an Asian / Pacific Resort vibe, and a desire to express natural materials in a balanced and harmonious way that complemented the surrounding landscape / context.

CONCEPT

The brief was extensive, and incorporated a number of elements which ensured that the composition of space diverged from the ‘usual’ arrangement of function. Elements like a tearoom, and office that would be approached via a separate entrance were incorporated by creating a courtyard beyond the first ‘layer’ of function in the home and a separate external pathway entry to the courtyard. The tearoom and office were situated on the street side of the courtyard.

By arranging the functions of the living level around the courtyard, and incorporating a number of double height voids and split level spaces, we were able to create interest and discovery as one passes through the space. Rather than only focusing on the ‘sea view’ a common recipe in Aotearoa housing, we used the Asia / Pacific inspired landscaping, by Landscape Architect Xanthe White as a tool to direct attention to the wider context of the site.

The upper level, with a living level and 5 bedrooms, was arranged around the two internal voids, one created for the entry and stair, the other above the family dining and living area that faced out to the courtyard. This void provided separation between the owner’s bedroom suite and the other bedroom spaces. The house is multigenerational, providing living environments for 4 generations and yet spliced with the European traditions of the more traditional luxury architecture that surrounds this house.

The architectural craft of the exterior detailing of the home, executed to perfection by skilled local craftspeople is also what sets this home apart. The materiality has been selected to remain resilient, and yet age with grace and charm, not withstanding the harsh coastal environment. The highly considered intersections between precast concrete, copper flashings and cladding, and custom made scalloped cedar cladding is what defines architectural achievement, creates beauty and serenity, and ensures resilience and longevity.