| 31 Houston Architects Ltd ARCHITECTURE Architectural vision transforms tricky site The property’s dramatic 270-degree views, stretching from Mount Ruapehu to the sea, inspired a bold design. T T Karen Phelps A unique collaboration between Houston Architects and Gemini Pepper Construction has resulted in an innovative three-storey home in Whanganui that showcases both firms’ commitment to excellence and creative problem-solving. The project, which follows the successful completion of a seven-townhouse development by the two companies last year, demonstrates how architectural vision and construction expertise can transform challenging sites into extraordinary living spaces. “It’s always key to me to view the site to design something that fits perfectly and fulfils the client’s hopes and dreams. The site was challenging but had amazing views. It warranted hard work to overcome the physical difficulties presented by the steep bank,” says Wayne Houston, director of Houston Architects. The property’s dramatic 270-degree views, stretching from Mount Ruapehu to the sea, inspired a bold design that places the main living areas on the top floor. However, the steep terrain presented significant engineering challenges that required innovative solutions. “We came to a two-metre maximum height constructed reasonably economically,” explains Wayne, describing the crucial retaining wall designed to stabilise the sandy bank. The limited space for vehicle manoeuvring led to another creative solution: a carousel system allowing cars to rotate before entering the garage. The home is a harmonious blend of architecture and environment, with clever design elements like Parklex soffits in a timber look breaking up the client’s desired white exterior, creating dramatic effects when lit at night. The home’s distinctive features include a cantilevered living room and deck supported by a tree-like structure with spreading branches, and a unique security gate system. “The gates open upwards and spread their wings like a fan with each segment eventually facing vertical,” says Wayne. Established in 1983, Houston Architects has built its reputation on maintaining a deliberately small and cohesive team, allowing for focused attention on each project. The firm’s philosophy challenges conventional architectural wisdom: “Le Corbusier said ‘form follows function’. You design the way the building functions and the form follows that. But I think the reverse is better. You need to have a good form in mind to which the function of the building can fit and enhance the form and that’s what we’ve got in this project,” says Wayne. Wayne says the firm’s ‘total design’ architectural philosophy ensures that design principles influence every aspect of its operation. This approach has proven particularly effective in the ongoing collaboration with Gemini Pepper Construction, where attention to detail and technical expertise have resulted in successful project deliveries. Landscape architects Shafer Design also contributed to the overall vision. The success of this project builds on Houston Architects’ extensive portfolio of residential, commercial, education, and church buildings across New Zealand. While primarily focused in Auckland, the firm has completed notable projects in Wellington, Tauranga, and other regions. The firm’s commitment to client satisfaction is evident in its methodology of concentrating on just a few projects at a time, maintaining close client relationships, and ensuring every “It’s always key to me to view the site to design something that fits perfectly and fulfils the client’s hopes and dreams.” step aligns with the client’s requirements. Wayne says this focused approach allows for flexibility to accommodate changing needs while maintaining project integrity as demonstrated in the Whanganui home. Houston Architects > GIB Plasterboard Installation and Stopping Telephone 06 343 6110 Email: office@skelseyplasterers.co.nz SEVENTY SEVEN YEARS IN BUSINESS www.skelseyplasterers.co.nz Proud to support Gemini Pepper Construction
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