90 | Attention to detail sets design apart Jeremey Clegg, left. and Johnny McMillan. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN Topcat Architecture T T Anne Boswell Located on the scenic Kapiti Coast, Topcat Architecture has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional architectural solutions. Founded in 2020 as an offshoot of the family business, Topcat Design, the practice quickly made a name for itself in the private residential sector under the guidance of director Jeremy Clegg. Topcat Architecture has two other full-time staff, both under 30, who Jeremy proudly refers to as “go-getters”. One of its recent projects, the Spyglass Way townhouses, showcases the firm’s innovative approach to design and construction. Located in the thriving Whitby area, the Spyglass Way development features four meticulously designed townhouses. Each of these modern homes boasts three storeys, three bedrooms and two bathrooms, complemented by spacious garages and living areas. However, what truly sets these homes apart is the attention to detail. Situated on a steep, 30-degree incline, the Spyglass Way site presented significant challenges from the outset. The complexity of the earthworks required collaboration with a range of experts including structural engineers, builders, and excavation specialists. “One of the things the owners didn’t want was four townhouses crammed onto the site,” Jeremy explains. “They wanted each townhouse to be generously sized.” The result is a collection of homes that not only maximise the available space, but offer stunning views of the Whitby area. The large north/north-west-facing membrane decks provide residents with the perfect vantage point to enjoy the sunsets and tranquil surroundings. In keeping with the neighbourhood’s aesthetic, the exterior of the Spyglass Way townhouses feature a simple and robust material palette, clad in fibre cement weatherboard, plastered concrete block and a cavity clad plaster system. The boxy form of the townhouses, coupled with high-performance, double-glazed windows and a monopitch Colorsteel roof, further enhances their modern appeal. Privacy was another key consideration in the design, with wingwalls and parapet walls incorporated between the homes. The smooth execution of the Spyglass Way project is a testament to the collaborative efforts of all involved, Jeremy says. From the outset, the project benefitted from the comprehensive planning provided by Heather Clegg at Topcat Design. The Porirua Council also played a crucial role, offering strong support for the proposal. The builders and owners, Jake Laurenson of Aligned Carpentry and Lliam Forsyth of Peak Building, trusted Jeremy’s vision and allowed him the creative freedom to bring the project to life. The engineering challenges were deftly handled by Matthew Beddow from Richards Consulting Engineers, who implemented a very complex design, which minimised the use of steel and concrete while maintaining the structural integrity of the buildings. “It was almost all timber except for the ground-floor slab and block retaining walls,” Jeremy says. “Matthew worked hard to achieve a structurally solid yet cost-effective building.” The excavation work, undertaken by Jin Li Civil, was another critical aspect of the project’s success. Using advanced machinery and GPS technology, they were able to complete the work in half the time initially anticipated. “We sent them a 3D geolocated file of the site, and they did a very tidy job of the work without any stringlines at all,” Jeremy says. With the Spyglass Way project, the Topcat Architecture team has once again demonstrated its ability to deliver innovative and functional design solutions, even on the most challenging sites. Structural andCivil Engineers WWADSEFBSEFBSERGFB TOPCAT ARCHITECTURE 021-2160108 jinli.civil@gmail.com jlcivil.nz Specializing in general earthworks, roading, foundation and site prep.
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