| 81 T T Richard Loader Skilled designer, satisfied client The design response was two, 150sqm single-storey dwellings encompassing living spaces and three bedrooms, with the master bedroom complete with ensuite and walk-in robe. Art of Architecture: JT Homes 2024 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN Word-of-mouth referrals provide a key source of business for architectural design firm Art of Architecture, and such was the case when John Wotherspoon asked the practice to design two identical, standalone houses to be built on a section in Waipukurau, a rural service town in Central Hawke’s Bay. “John was a first-time developer, and had been referred to me through a mutual client,” says Jessi Long, who founded Art of Architecture in 2020, fulfilling a lifelong dream of practice ownership. “John was the easiest client an architectural designer could wish to have. He was looking at a simple but modern design that was cost-effective. “Each dwelling was to have a north-facing orientation to maximise the sun that streams on to the section. Working within the parameters of the section, I presented him with a design, which he accepted without any changes.” The design response was two, 150sqm single-storey dwellings encompassing living spaces and three bedrooms, with the master bedroom complete with ensuite and walk-in robe. Both the master bedroom and living spaces maximise the north-facing orientation, drawing in the sun. Large ranch sliders in the living spaces opening out on to decks embrace sunfilled indoor/outdoor living. Cladding is a mix of vertical and horizontal weatherboard, lending an architectural accent to the exterior. Construction of the dwellings commenced in October last year, with John and his brother undertaking both building and project management. “Our role in the project commenced at the design phase, then working through Central Hawke’s Bay District Council’s planning regulations, and finally going through the building consent process and getting it approved,” says Jessi. After the start of construction there were variations to work through, which they responded to, Jessi says. “Upon completion we will arrange final Code of Compliance and sign off.” The overall section of about 800sqm has been subdivided, with each dwelling being sold separately, and listed on TradeMe. “Each site is about 370sqm,” Jessi says, “and we did have to ask three neighbours for permission for slight breaches to the one-metre site setbacks with the roofline of the house, which they were happy with.” While Jessi established Art of Design in Auckland, she has recently relocated the practice to Lake Hawea, in Central Otago, and now has a nationwide reach for the diverse range of projects she undertakes. “Our projects range from the smallest renovation project, like a bathroom or taking out a load-bearing wall, right through to the design of stylish terraced housing and even some commercial projects. “We get business through our website, but most of our business is sourced from word-ofmouth referrals.” Jessi says her love for the creative elements meant architectural design was a natural progression from leaving school. “I was also fortunate that my first boss was a builder and great at teaching the practical aspects of building, as well as design. “So I bring a practical approach to design and the buildability of designs, as well as the creative side to our projects.” NEW BUILDS EXTENSIONS & ALTERATIONS RE-CLADS TERRACED HOUSING LIGHT COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPING AND POOLS Jess Long - jess@artofarch.co.nz - 021 208 3511 A R T O F ARCHITECTURE Fast, accurate surveying. On time, to budget or you get it for free. Civil Engineering Resource Consent 3D Laser Scanning Aerial Mapping Subdivision Land Surveying Farm Mapping Computer Drawing Town Planning GET IN TOUCH Phone: 06 878 6349 | 111 Warren St Nth, PO Box 922, Hastings | www.surveying.net.nz “Each dwelling was to have a north-facing orientation to maximise the sun that streams on to the section.”
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