30 | ARCHITECTURE Essence Architectural Design Virtually experiencing your future home This Waimea coastal studio won the ADNZ Alteration and Addition Award for the Wellington and Wairarapa region in 2023. T T Bernadette Cooney Innovative use of 3D modelling technologies, which enable clients to virtually experience their future homes before they are built, has led a Raumati Beach architectural practice to earn a place as a finalist in this year’s Wellington Gold Awards. Essence Architectural Design, led by founder and licensed architectural designer Robyn De La Haye, is a small but accomplished team with a 20-year history of creating bespoke architectural designs for diverse projects across Wellington, Kapiti Coast, Horowhenua and beyond. Specialists in alterations, additions, new homes and commercial fitouts and interiors, Essence Architectural Design were recognised for their clever use of 3D modelling and visualisation. “It’s about the way I work with clients, using technology as a total point of difference,” says Robyn. “It allows me to demonstrate design changes in real time, walking through and working on the live model together with the client. Which is both an efficient way to make design changes and a fun experience.” Their process includes using laser measurements and modelling land topography to generate a highly detailed virtual representation of homes or proposed new builds. By integrating software like Revit and Enscape, Robyn can demonstrate changes in real-time. “We can walk through together and push out walls, add windows and skylights or let’s make those stacker doors four metres instead of three,” says Robyn. “We can add furniture indoors or trees and shrubs outdoors in accurate scales and ratios.” Describing the technologies from IT partner Caduceus Systems Ltd, as incredible, Robyn accentuates the accuracy of the software. “With the click of a button we can see how daylight impacts a space throughout the day. I can say, here is what the sunshine is doing on October 8th at 10am, 12 noon, or 4pm and adjust the design to really optimise the space and bring the clients vision to life.” “Traditionally, most architects would go away and make the changes and charge extra for doing so,” says Robyn, “but I can do it in front of them on the computer.” This firsthand, efficient, and personable approach has cemented Essence as a boutique practice with a unique edge. Looking to the future, Robyn plans to make the 3D modelling service a mobile one. “I can take myself into someone’s home and from the dining table with my laptop and my screen, or through the smart TV, we can walk through the extension I’ve designed for your existing home or the new home I’ve designed for you on your piece of land elsewhere in the country.” Several Essence Architectural Design projects have been finalists or award winners in previous Architectural Designer New Zealand (ADNZ) awards. This includes the ADNZ Alteration and Addition Award for Wellington and Wairarapa 2023 for Waimea Coastal Studio, a character cottage renovation on the Kapiti Coast. In addition, a New York loft style apartment within a Stokes Valley warehouse won Essence the ADNZ Alteration and Addition Award for Wellington and Wairarapa regions in 2016. From high-end and low-rise residential projects to transformative renovations and alterations or commercial interiors and council buildings, Essence Architectural Design is the experienced architectural design team with the capacity and passion to create truly amazing projects for every purpose. “It’s about the way I work with clients, using technology as a total point of difference.” PARAPARAUMU • WELLINGTON • LEVIN • Electrical Contracting and Project Management • Electrical Design & Planning Services • Air-Conditioning Install & Maintenance • Commercial Lighting & Switching • Electrical Maintenance & Periodic Inspections • BWOF and EWOF, IQP Accredited • Fire Alarm Systems & Emergency Lighting • Additions & Alterations • Free Quotes for any project PROUD TO SUPPORT ESSENCE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN www.brienelectrical.co.nz Freephone 0800 TEAMBRIEN Freephone 0800 832627 Always Professional, Always Reliable, Always Efficient Offering high quality renovations, new builds and alterations Building | Project Management | Consultancy After Before 027 433 1090 admin@thecompletebuildingcompany.co.nz
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=