80 | Providing clarity for clients One of GO architecture’s current standout projects is a five-bedroom, three-bathroom family home in Churton Park. GO architecture T T Bernadette Cooney “We redesigned it to modernise it and make it less costly to build, whilst improving the function and the style they wanted.” ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN Smart, problem-solving design and close collaboration are two pillars of the client experience offered by Lower Hutt architectural designers, GO architecture, who have partnered with new-home building company, Landmark Homes, on a current build underway in the hills of Wellington’s Churton Park. GO architecture, led by architectural designer and Design LBP, Paula Clarke, is a seven-person design team delivering innovative design solutions for new builds, renovations and light commercial projects. “Good design needs to function well and address what’s important to the client,” says Paula. “We listen closely to our clients’ needs and keep engagement high so they can make informed decisions with confidence.” One of GO architecture’s current standout projects is a five-bedroom, three-bathroom family home in Churton Park, being built by Landmark Homes. The homeowners initially worked with another architectural firm, but the resulting design far exceeded their budget and had high-risk design elements that unnecessarily constrained the project. “We redesigned it to modernise it and make it less costly to build, whilst improving the function and the style they wanted,” explains Paula. GO architecture had the design finalised within a couple of months, versus the twoyear stalemate the client had previously been left with. Paula and her team used their two-concept approach, supplying two different initial concepts to help the clients refine their preferences, gain clarity and have confidence in the final design. “The first conceptual design is based closely on the client’s vision, and the second concept gets rid of some of the compromises while finding different ways to approach the design challenges, making it easy to clarify their preferences,” says Paula. “Uniquely, we then provide a 3D digital file that they can walk around on their tablet or phone, and we gather together to make finalisations in real time. The client is involved and knows exactly what they’re getting. It makes such a difference in providing clarity for the client and answering the ‘what if’ questions. “This process minimises on-site changes, and gives clarity to everyone about the final outcome, including the council, the builder, and all the trades on-site.” The original design included high-risk elements that could make the building prone to leaking, such as the six different exterior cladding materials, requiring extensive council documentation. GO architecture proposed a single cladding system – Archimax aluminium cladding in three different colours and widths – achieving a cohesive look with improved structural integrity and with low maintenance requirements. This was important given the extremely high wind zone and the deck cantilevering over a steep bank below. “A major priority for the homeowners was a large, well-designed garage and workshop space to suit their specific needs. “This was larger than a typical double garage, so was important to get this right for them.” Through their keen listening skills and thorough design process GO architecture transformed a stressful, over-budget project into a streamlined, cost-effective reality. “They were stuck with an expensive, impractical design, and we provided a smarter, more affordable solution that exceeded the clients’ vision.” DES IGN • ADVICE • PL ANS • RENOVAT IONS • NEW HOMES PHONE 04 560 4646 EMAIL admin@go-arch.co.nz Free one-hour in home consultation E SCAPE THE ORD I NARY WI TH L ANDMARK HOME S 04 589 1682 | www. landmarkhomes.co.nz
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