| 85 Design supports creative evolution Kim Newth Constructive Architecture’s Tim Wenham inside his low budget Haitaitai home that has collected two ADNZ awards ARCHITECTURE ADNZ: Constructive Architecture Since launching Constructive Architecture in 2015, Wellington designer Tim Wernham has grown a strong following for his bespoke and highly crafted design solutions. The ingenious design for his own family home – blending functionality and flair on a steep site in Hataitai – impressed the judges at last year’s Wellington/Wairarapa ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards, who described it as “a multi-faceted gem”. The handcrafted home won the Regional Residential New Home up to 150m² and a Highly Commended Award for Residential Interiors. Tim’s commitment to professional service and creative, sustainable and functional architecture is winning him clients around the country. Constructive Architecture currently has residential projects underway in Dunedin, Auckland, Arrowtown and Wellington. Tim didn’t start out in design. In fact, he trained as a builder before studying architecture at Victoria University of Wellington. From a family of woodworkers, Tim naturally followed the family calling but there was always an interest in art and design running alongside that. A life-changing experience for him came as a result of working full-time while a builder’s apprentice on Ian Athfield’s house. “That really sparked my interest in architecture,” he says. “It was inspiring to walk around and explore that building in great detail. By the time I’d finished my building apprenticeship, I was ready to explore design.” While he’s not directly involved in the build process today, Tim continues to pays close attention to finish, detail and craft and loves exploring materials in new and interesting ways. He draws on his background in building to achieve design simplicity that is also technically complex. Sustainability and livability are two core design priorities. Energy efficiency is promoted on every project, along with health-based building materials that are good for the environment. Recycled elements are often included in Constructive Architecture’s new builds and renovations. “Recycled elements can bring a really strong sense of character and history to a project. I also have some experience in earth building from my younger years and am interested in exploring raw, traditional materials in a modern way. “With each project, I try to push myself in some way whether it’s with materials or with the craftspeople I work with to create new and better processes.” For young people thinking about future options, Tim recommends architectural design as an excellent choice that offers good career progression and plenty of room to grow and develop. He says having the support of ADNZ is a real advantage. “When I first joined, I didn’t know what to expect but as I have spent more and more time as a member, I’ve really come to appreciate how much work they do and the support they offer. They provide so much technical support, along with online forums and events.” One of the rewarding aspects for Tim is being able to work with a number of engaged clients who like to be hands-on and involved with their design and build projects. “When I was at university, I spent a summer working with a Tokelauan community that involved a design build project with local kids, helping them to take ownership of a community space. “One of the things I learned is that involvement in the process determines the level of satisfaction with the overall finished product. When people are involved, they love the end result so much more because they have been a part of it.” DUNCAN FORSYTH 027 249 6646 Duncan@forsythplumbingconsultants.co.nz forsythplumbingconsultants.co.nz Forsyth Plumbing Consultants Working to improve building design and functionality. Providing complete plumbing drawings for jobs of all sizes, we will deliver a high-quality product in an efficient manner. Consulting Structural Engineers Struc LimitedD We cover residential, and small to medium commercial building A small and dynamic practice based in Porirua serving the lower north island strucdeng@gmail.com Room 2, Woolstore Business Centre, 20 Parumoana Street, Porirua We are privileged to be able to collaborate with Tim and Constructive Architecture
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