80 | ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN Kingsbeer Architecture Proudly supporting Kingsbeer Architecture 06 868 4400 | admin@alexhylandplumbing.co.nz Proudly supporting Kingsbeer Architecture Connecting with clients’ lifestyle Shane says his focus with coastal projects is always to remain sympathetic to the specific site the home will occupy. T T Sue Russell “You have got to do justice to the site and to your clients, and I find melding these two responsibilities particularly enjoyable. It’s about designing with a connection to how people want to live on these special sites, finding ways to connect the sun and light and a prominent sea breeze into the design.” Gisborne architectural designer, Shane Kingsbeer, says when he was a student at school he really enjoyed graphics and woodwork, so there was a good chance he was going to pursue a career in the built environment. When he attended university and started working,Shane discovered just how powerful architecture can be in determining the quality of space for people to experience, and it’s that focus that drives him today in the residential and commercial projects he undertakes. “The built environment really excited me, and when I started working and studying it really opened my eyes to just how design can so powerfully impact quality of life,” he says. These thoughts were uppermost in Shane’s mind when he designed his own first home in the heart of the Ballance Street Village. The simple design belies the significant amount of thought that went into how he wanted to live in the home, and the studious attention to detail in the materials and finishes used. Focused around the central courtyard area, which can easily be opened up to become part of the living space, the small home feels big. Stunning features, such as the customised kitchen and removable walls, and a unique wooden bath, add a sophisticated level of refinement. “I wanted this home to be environmentally friendly without compromising quality.” And the same level of attention was applied to the studio office, consented as a dwelling, providing options as an office, an Airbnb or to be tenanted. In terms of client work, business has been very good, Shane says, with a number of coastal projects in and around Gisborne, Wainui. “We tend to focus on the higher-end residential work and special commercial projects. I’m quite selective about the projects I take on. I’ve also been involved in designing homes in Queenstown and Te Anau.” Acknowledging that designing in Tairāwhiti Gisborne often comes with geotechnical challenges, given its soil types, Shane says his focus with coastal projects is always to remain sympathetic to the specific site the home will occupy. “You have got to do justice to the site and to your clients, and I find melding these two responsibilities particularly enjoyable. “It’s about designing with a connection to how people want to live on these special sites, finding ways to connect the sun and light and a prominent sea breeze into the design.” Shane says working often in smaller communities, he sees a real sense of ownership from existing residents and a natural curiosity as to how a new home on a site will present. “A lot of people live at the beach because they surf and want a cruisy life style. “My biggest thing when you’re designing is considering how people want to live when they come home.” He also says that good architecture shouldn’t be dictated by budget. A special project Shane recalls was about four years ago when he was asked to design the new hospice building in Gisborne, still under construction. He was also privileged to undertake the design work for Mātai Institute, a world-leading medical imaging research and innovation institute located in Gisborne. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed, in the last few years, being able to be involved in the design and project management of places like hospice and Mātai, that hold such an important place and that contribute so much to the community.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=