| 77 ARCHITECTURE Dorrington Atcheson Architects T T Sue Russell More than 20 years of experience The home has a number of tricky and challenging build elements. Auckland-based architecture studio Dorrington Atcheson Architects has more than 20 years experience specialising in residential design. Tim Dorrington and Sam Atcheson bring years of collective experience not only in the residential new build and renovation sectors but also in the retail, office and commercial spaces. Winners of several previous NZIA awards, this year, a rather special home has been nominated as one of 26 finalists in the Gisborne and Hawkes Bay Architecture Awards celebrated at a special awards evening held on 14 June at the Hastings Municipal Building. “The NZIA awards are judged by your professional peers and its good to be tested. A jury of architects are responsible for the shortlisting process, so to have reached this point alone is really great,” says Tim. The home, at Matarua Rise, near Havelock North, is a fine example of a minimalist pavillion-style design approach allowing the house to speak for itself, keeping its secrets away from anyone viewing it from the driveway entrance. This was done deliberately as Tim explains. “We very much feel that a home should be something you are invited in to see and experience and it shouldn’t be accessible to someone, for instance, delivering something to the home. That thought guided how the home came into form.” From the road frontage an imposing brick wall appears to be holding up a floating roof, with three cedar box forms breaking through as their own defined spaces. There is little beyond this that can be seen of what awaits inside. The home is primarily constructed of steel framing with glass walls, giving those inside a sense of very much being part of the wonderful valley and river scenery that unfolds beyond the home. Built pretty much right up to the edge of the site, before it slopes away down to the Tukituki river and valley, inside it offers spectacular views in a simple incluttered way. Tim says he likes the simplicity of the pavillion style complemented by the treatment of materials to provide colour and texture in the mix. The home was designed in the pre-covid era. Tim recalls the design process went very well supported by a good briefing session. “There was one project that the owners particularly liked so that steered us along quite well. The home is on a very large section and with the spectacular view and we let the site define where best to build the home, which along with the pool is as close as it can be to the escarpment.” He also says Aaron Dodd Homes were excellent to work with. Structurally the home, whilst appearing simple to the eye, has a number of tricky challenging build elements to it, including floating cantilever corners. Asked how business has been of late, Tim describes it as a steady time. “We are currently a team of six and that size works well at this time, to keep us all engaged.” Tim says he and Sam enjoy collaborating on projects. Engaging with clients to come to a place of understanding what their priorities are is something they both enjoy. “We like the fact that architecture in its essence is a very open ended, organic, discipline to work in. So much thinking influences how a design comes to life. Visiting a site is absolutely essential to gain a feel for what the environment is about.” Tim is optomistic that the market will continue to bounce back from some pretty tough times recently. He’s happy with the amount of work crossing his desk at this time. “Many of our projects extend over a considerable period of client engagement before designs are realised. We find this works well, as it helps to inform the way we approach a set of drawings, through understanding our clients really well.” We think outside the box to deliver you the best. Our team is focused and passionate about innovation, expert technical advice and consistently high quality workmanship across plumbing, drainage, gas and heating. We partner with our clients to ensure the best possible solution for every project. Residential | Commercial | Industrial Ph: 0508 22 88 99 | advancedplumbing.co.nz advanced Plumbing Drainage Gas Earthworks Services Specialists in House Floors | Top soiling | Site Clearance | Retaining Walls Foundation Prep | Driveway Prep | Trench Works | Landscaping Tracks with a variety of diggers, trucks, and equipment. 027 814 7704 lcearthworks@outlook.com GET IN TOUCH pROUDLY SUPPORTING DORRINGTON ATCHESON ARCHITECTS Proud to support Dorrington Atcheson Architects 7 Martin Pl, Havelock North 06 8778074 021 723 017 We make high quality, individually tailored Kitchens, Laundry's, Wardrobes and all other interior Joinery. Please contact us for an appointment to discuss any interior joinery needs for your new build or renovation.
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