| 29 Ironsand Architecture ARCHITECTURE A freshly minted collaboration shines Richard Houlahan and Nick Dalton. A 3D render of a commercial addition project (below). T T Lindy Andrews Every home, every commercial building speaks its own language in terms of form and functionality. Ironsand Architecture, a freshly minted collaboration between Nick Dalton and Richard Houlahan, is bringing its new architectural design voice to Palmerston North. Whether you’re a builder, developer or residential property owner, finding that unique design language begins with a lot of listening. “Our main focus is listening to our clients; it’s huge for us,” says Nick. With a combined 40 years of expertise under their belts, the duo leans heavily on years spent in the building industry. Listening, the foundation for solid, enduring relationships is vital. “The first thing we want to know is what our clients are wanting to achieve in terms of lifestyle, practicality and budget,” Richard explains. “That dictates how far we can push the design boundaries.” Ironsand Architecture works alongside builders to ensure that their designs are constructible, workable and – most importantly – can be built to budget. This trade-focused approach also makes it easier – and efficient - for everyone involved in the build. Nick and Richard bring their architectural design smarts to everything from a new build to a home renovation, extension, or even just finding space to inject a new toilet. Their experience ranges from expansive homes on farms and lifestyle blocks, to compact multi-unit designs for urban dwellers. Author Austin Mitchell’s sprawling, “Half-Gallon Quarter-Acre Pavlova Paradise” has largely disappeared from the nation’s vernacular. Today’s inner-city builders and developers are looking for solid returns on investment from far more compact sites – some as small as 300 – 400 square metres. With land at a premium and compliance costs having doubled, or even tripled, Nick and Richard’s deep understanding of the building industry is a bonus for their clients. “There has been move to smaller site, multi-unit residential developments in recent years,” says Richard. “We will help a client to maximise what can be done; often going up is the best option.” Smaller units require inspired thinking. Every square metre counts in creating designs that save build cost and time, without compromising quality or taking a cookie-cutter approach. While interiors need to be comfortable and liveable, Richard says the indoor-outdoor flow must be equally workable, especially for families. “Versatility comes into it a lot,” Nick points out. “We design multi-use spaces, such as offices that can be shut away. We utilise every square metre as practically as possible.” While Ironsand Architecture’s co-founders enjoy designing for 21st century country or city living, both find designing home renovations just as satisfying. “Our range of work is all-encompassing” says Nick. “A client might want to add a new master bedroom suite, bathroom, new toilet or extension. It’s work I find enjoyable because we’ve already got the footprint.” You might think Ironsand Architecture’s innovative approach begins and ends there – it doesn’t. As more and more people explore more cost effective and sustainable ways of living, tiny homes are very much part of this country’s new architectural design language, one Nick and Richard speak with flair. Residential Construction New Builds Renovations Decks & Fences PROUDLY SUPPORTING IRONSAND ARCHITECTURE 022 693 1036 constructingspaces@hotmail.com Your Dedicated Residential Renovations & New Build Specialists. m. 027 635 9854 e. info@ebbuilding.co.nz Proudly supporting Ironsand Architecture
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