| 63 T T Sue Russell From NYC to Hawke’s Bay This recent build was on a beautiful sloping site with 270° views up the Esk valley and to the north in the Esk Hills. ARCHITECTURE Tess Fenwick Architects - Davcon Construction After completing her Masters of Architecture at Unitec in Auckland, Tess Fenwick travelled overseas to New York City where she worked for a small Architectural practice before returning to work in Hawke’s Bay. Driving her passion for architecure is the necessity to produce buildings that have a positive impact and contribution to the lives of their users and the environment in which they are located. Tess starts the design conversation with clients by sitting down and listening to their background story, and how they came to where they are, as well as a visit to the building site. “I will then start to form a brief from our conversations. Sometimes clients will show me some images however the strongest architectural ideas start with a concept. This could be simply from a story the client has shared, a painting they enjoy, or an object found on the site. I start by putting pencil to paper - it is always interesting to see where and how the first few lines are drawn,” says Tess. We focuson space and form as well as aspects such as the interplay of light and shadows, materiality, contrasts, scale, textures and landscapes. Developing the concept is the most important part as the design has to answer all of the clients brief requirements. We want to design homes and spaces that work well and feel great, and to deliver spaces that are beautiful, elegant, timeless and bring warmth and joy. A recent special build for Tess was the Esk Hills House. “Our client’s managed to secure a beautiful sloping site with 270° views up the Esk valley and to the north in the Esk Hills – the last to be sold in the development. The concept for this house was about time and events in the client’s lives; this concept was expressed through plan, section and materiality.” The client’s had an existing relationship with Jules at Davcon Construction. The project team worked really hard from the beginning. The buildable area on the site was long, sloped and surrounded by native bush. Having Jules’ input from early on was invaluable. The team had to ensure this project started onsite as soon as practicably possible and came in on budget. Jules and his team were on hand from the very beginning to discuss detailing, give advice or offer an opinion on different options. “Jules is committed to delivering a smooth building process for clients,” Tess says. Great builds are achieved by working in collaboration with all those invested in a building project. “We are committed to creating enduring, sustainable buildings that generations of users can enjoy. For Tess, who is a Mum to two young children and juggles all that entails, her professional life is very positive and affirming. “No two days are the same. It is wonderful to work with great clients and help them realise their dreams.” • Plumbing • Drain Laying • Gas Fitting GOLD Representing Excellence Master Plumbers WINNER NZ Plumbing Awards 2023 NEW ZEALAND MASTER PLUMBER OF THE YEAR (06) 650 2200 Julian Davis | 027 209 8040 | davcon.co.nz
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