78 | ARCHITECTURE Rubixarc Inspiring landscapes for lifestyle-driven design Rubixarc’s approach centres on simplicity, creating smart, stylish homes that feel comfortable and grounded. T T Rosa Watson “Raglan remains the heart of the practice, offering a strong sense of community, lifestyle, and coastal context that informs many of our projects.” Raglan-based architects Rubixarc are always up for a challenge — a valuable trait when your projects are often located in demanding environments. Formerly Rubix Architecture, the practice is a boutique architectural studio focused on delivering thoughtfully designed, modern homes. Led by Alice Gironella, the practice works closely with a trusted network of contractors and collaborators depending on the project. Rubixarc had its beginnings in Raglan and has grown into a flexible, design-led studio working across multiple regions, while maintaining a strong connection to its roots. The practice operates between Raglan and Wānaka, and Alice spends time between both locations, each with distinct inspiration and opportunities. “Raglan remains the heart of the practice, offering a strong sense of community, lifestyle, and coastal context that informs many of our projects,” Alice says. “Wānaka, on the other hand, provides a contrasting alpine landscape, access to outdoor pursuits like snowboarding, and exposure to inspirational high-end award-winning homes.” The differing environments influence the practice’s approach to site-responsive and lifestyle-driven design, she says. Rubixarc’s approach centres on simplicity, creating smart, stylish homes that feel comfortable and grounded. “We focus on clean forms, refined material palettes, and designs that are both functional and visually elegant but discreet. A key aspect of our work is sleek rooflines and architectural forms that maximise views, respond to the landscape, and optimise sunlight orientation.” Alice says what really sets Rubixarc apart is its ability to balance between strong design and contextual awareness. “Each project is approached as a unique response to its site, with an emphasis on blending into the landscape while still delivering a distinctive architectural outcome. We believe every project is an opportunity to create something truly special.” Over the years, the practice has developed a reliable network of local builders and consultants, allowing it to work efficiently and confidently across a range of site conditions, particularly steep and complex sites that are typical of the Waikato region. “We prioritise construction methods and solutions that are proven and cost-effective, ensuring that projects remain aligned with clients’ budgets without compromising on design quality.” A recent project — Woodfort Estate — involved a sloping, exposed site in a very high wind zone with a tricky oval-shaped potential platform. There was no driveway, little parking, difficult access, no services and it was totally off-grid with a million-dollar view. The high-performance home achieved character, elegance and style, while also keeping sustainability in mind. This included recycling and locally sourcing carbon-free materials for a large part of the structure, windows and cladding, healthy nontoxic interior materials and a waste management plan during construction. Dexter’s Residence, an elongated home in the hills above Raglan, required extensive earthworks before construction could begin. The sloping site offered a narrow platform for such a large project, that also included a large u-turn and parking area. Vertical western cedar was used for cladding and added features such as concrete fireplace structures, concrete tilt panels and outdoor concrete fireplace gave it its industrial look, while the minimal simplistic and modern design provided elegance and style. Woodfort Estate, Raglan Rural WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD BETTER WITH TIMBER. Cladding coated with: CUTEK® Extreme CD50 with dual Colourtone, Light Oak and Chestnut © Rubixarc Photos Proud suppliers of windows and doors to Rubix Architecture Frankton Aluminium 1982 Ltd 225 Ellis St Frankton 07 847 4680 FOUNDATIONS MADE SMARTER | | www.stopdigging.co.nz 09 393 5528 info@stopdigging.co.nz • Remote Access Sites • Deck Foundations • New Builds • Steep Site Solutions • Under-Slab Piling MAIN APPLICATIONS KEY BENEFITS • Fast Installation • Minimal Site Disturbance • Sustainable Foundation Solution • No Concrete Scan for technical info MAUNGATAWHIRI RESIDENCE THE FOUNDATION BENEATH THE FEATURE CodeMark-certified ground screw foundations used beneath the entire home and decks. FEATURED PROJECT
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