Interplay of Layers and Angles – Devonport, Auckland City, New Zealand

Situated close to the beach, the renovation design for this house allows life to spill outdoors, reflecting the relaxed, yet active, vibe of the area. With the width of the lot reduced by required neighbour setbacks, we understood the imperative to go vertical by adding another level in order to create more open space and to improve access to natural light.

​

Our clients’ initial plans were modest. They wanted an extra bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, while maintaining much of the existing layout. However, once we delved further what they wanted to achieve, we realised the limits within the existing structure to deliver this. In the end, we proposed a layout that would improve the home’s flow, make better use of the existing space and do justice to the grand location.

​

To create an interesting entrance progression, whilst providing privacy for the internal courtyard space, the entry is set back behind plastered walls. With this walled entry zone, the house looks modest and tucked away from the busy street, screening private life and invoking a contrast to the pretty weatherboard and picket fence aesthetics that dominates the Auckland suburb of Devonport.

​

The clients wanted the house to act as a portal to the grand view over Rangitoto Island and the ocean, an architecture that celebrates its unique setting. Consequently, the house opens up completely towards the eastern sea view. Structurally, we have chosen a complex steel structure to hold the house together, which in turn allowed us to use generous openings.

​

Once inside, the main passageway is wide and opens down a flight of steps towards the open plan living/ kitchen/ dining area, extending from east to west, leading to the main deck, as well as providing access to the sheltered courtyard on windy days. The new upper level occupies a wardrobe, an ensuite and the master bedroom with an additional deck towards the sea. The lower level provides storage, a guest room with bathroom, and an office/ living room opening to a new outdoor entertainment area. In the center of the house is the minimalistic internal staircase linking the three levels. Surrounded by cedar slats that draw the eye to the window at the top, it allows light to flow through to the downstairs area.

​

As the house is on a sloping street, overlooked by its neighbours, the western and eastern windows needed to be limited to ensure privacy. That’s where the angled louvres came into play – providing views and daylight with bespoke aluminum fins while maintaining privacy.

​

Externally, we used zinc cladding for the angled top storey, to counter the more traditional timber cladding of the main level and the plastered walls of the lower storey. Choosing a material palette that was modern but not sterile was key to the project.

​

The house is bespoke but it’s not over the top. There is nothing flashy or imposing about it, but everything is thought through. The spaces are well proportioned, the lighting and privacy is working well, and everything connects and flows.