84 | ARCHITECTURE Hoogerbrug Architects T T Rosa Watson Hillside retreat a building triumph The long and narrow site, with a drop off on one side and steep hill on the upper side, provided significant difficulties in space planning and utilisation. The completion of a complex build on a steep hill at Taylor Bay, Mahia was a huge achievement for architects Hoogerbrug Architects and all parties involved, architect John Hoogerbrug says. The project was shortlisted in the housing category at the Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay Architecture Awards alongside 11 other projects. John Hoogerbrug told Business Central that the clients – his brother and sister-in-law - had been camping on the site for many seasons and had a good understanding of what they considered important. Natural and preferred focal points had already been established around access, kitchen location, the campfire and the indoor-outdoor areas with views. “It wanted to be sophisticated however not clinical; it wanted to be practical and have a functional relaxed connection with inside and outside coastal living,” John said. Power to the site is limited to 30amps, which drove some of the cooking appliance and water heating choices. And the long and narrow site, with a drop off on one side and steep hill on the upper side, provided significant difficulties in space planning and utilisation. “The brief that required a single level platform with adequate width and retention of trees was not straight forward.” Identifying the building envelope was also a challenge, but elevation and datum surveys helped define an “extremely tight” 3D envelope. There were also the standard challenges of designing and constructing structures in regional New Zealand such as distance and travel, power, water, accommodation and communications, John said. “And foremost and undoubtedly working around some difficult weather patterns.” Designing a suitable building to fit on narrow, steep sites with limited building envelope restrictions was also challenging. John said the firm’s best approach was maintaining good communications between the neighbors and local community, and working closely with requirements and all affected parties to achieve the best resolutions. With the client’s support, Hoogerbrug selected sustainable materials, integrating wood, concrete, steel roofing, and glass that were chosen for their durability, energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Extensive double glazing maximised natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting, and enhancing heat retention during colder months The entire envelope is fully insulated with a very high roof insulation and cavity. Complexities in the design included the orientation with a strong axial or backbone through the centre of the house. The footprint became very narrow, forcing the build against the minimum boundary setbacks on the opposite boundary. “Hoogerbrug Architects generated multiple plans and elevation cross sections within the envelope that eventually evolved into one that was deemed feasible.” The complex detailing was simplified by modeling construction sequencing into a practical order and prototyping documented details onsite with the carpenters ensured that the components fitted. “This in many situations required onsite skilled crafting and fitting to suit.” Fitting into its natural environment amongst the Pohutukawa trees, the building has limited effect on existing bush line. For John, highlights were living onsite and catching Kahawai off the beach mid-afternoon, getting the roof on before the weather closed in, and finishing without any major issues. The end result was something special, and the team felt compelled to enter it in the awards. “These opportunities don’t happen very often if at all in one’s lifetime. “It is one of the few opportunities for architects to get some recognition and exposure from both their academic institutions of knowledge and traditionally professional fraternities that, rightly or wrongly, create directives in our built world. “It offers the opportunity for the public that are serious about the build environment to have access to the wisdom or folly. “I think there are some innovative features that are relevant to our current thinking and futures, particularly in a domestic coastal application in the South Pacific.” It was an honor to receive an award from such a highly regarded institute, he said. Supporting Hoogerburg Architects Crafting Your Space, One Custom Piece at a Time: From Bespoke Kitchens to Tailored Timber Joinery and Beyond! HONORED PARTNERS OF HOOGERBRUG ARCHITECTS We’ll create your kitchen P: 06 868 4236 E: mastercraft@summerfieldjoinery.co.nz Gisborne EXPERT ELECTRICIAN SERVICES OUR SERVICES Residential/Commercial Complete Installations Lighting Design Network Installations Repairs/Maintenance/Installations Swimming Pools Pumps Re-wiring Recessed lighting LED retrofit FAST RELIABLE AFFORDABLE CALL US: 027 4443904 / 06 8777441 EMAIL: rowan@rbelectrical.nz PROUD TO SUPPORT HOOGERBRUG ARCHITECTS It offered all the parties and trades associated with these types of endeavors the chance to celebrate their achievements. Awards winners will be announced June 14.
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