58 | Sustainability the key Te Puna Shed, a small 60m2 house reminiscent of the rural sheds, won a highly commended on the Residential New Home up to 150m2 category, Arkhe Architecture T T Rosa Watson ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN A Tauranga-based architectural designer has changed gears in the market, moving more into bespoke residential design that focusses on sustainability. Arkhe, previously Huis Design, was founded by in April 2014. Diego Marangoni joined the company in the same year and took over from the previous owner in 2022. Huis Design met a different niche of the market, mostly group builders, at a much faster pace and volume. Arkhe was essentially a “baptism” rebranding, marking a sharp transition into bespoke residential architecture, focusing on sustainability, Diego explains. “I led the design process for (Huis Design) for five years before the rebranding and taking over the business. “My approach invariably extends beyond a client’s requirements, carefully examining and responding to context and environmental aspects. This method ensures every design addresses the client’s needs while respecting the place and the planet.” Originally from Brazil, Diego studied Architecture and Urban Planning for five years. On moving to New Zealand he also completed a bachelor’s degree in architecture at Unitec in Auckland, along with related certifications like Zero-Energy Design from Delft University of Technology, Architectural Visualisation at SOA Academy in Italy and many online courses on Architectural Photography, and BIM (Building Information Modeling). His work was recognised by the industry this year, winning three awards at the Architectural Designers New Zealand Awards – one highly-commended in the Residential up to 150m2 category and Regional Residential 150m2 to 300m2 category, and Regional Interior Award for the Bay of Plenty and Waikato Regions. “Entering and winning the ADNZ regional awards and being a National Finalist were significant moments in my career. “What an immense privilege to have my work recognised by iconic architectural figures as Pete Bossley and Guy Marriage - two huge influences on my practice and invaluable architectural thinkers and contributors to New Zealand Architecture.” He said for the past ten years he had been working to build a reputation in New Zealand. “The awards marked a transition into a place where my work is publicly acknowledged and directly associated with me.” He entered three projects in three categories. “Te Puna Shed”, a small 60m2 house reminiscent of the rural sheds, won a highly commended on the Residential New Home up to 150m2 Category, and “Toronia Court House”, a suburban house combining modernist and coastal architecture, won two awards - Residential New Home 150-300m2 Category and Home Interiors. He said both homes used a pragmatic approach to spatial planning that was a recurrent method in his practice, and humble, context-responsive materials like brick, timber and metal claddings. “Each carefully responding to environmental factors such as access to natural lighting, sun protection, and cross-ventilation, ensuring thermal comfort to the end-users.” Both projects were also very budget-restricted, a challenge he enjoyed in tackling projects. He said Tauranga is growing exponentially and was transitioning being a sunny coastal town to a major city, with challenges in accommodating an ever-larger population. “This growth stresses infrastructure, housing, and the locals adapting to a new reality. “However controversial it may be to some … Tauranga desperately needs housing intensification. There must be a more significant effort on mixed-use developments, bringing people closer to the workplaces and amenities, minimising the volume of cars in traffic and more equitable access to housing. “There are already great architecture firms working on that in the city. As Arkhe grows, I hope we can also contribute to creating more socially and environmentally resilient communities in Tauranga.” CONTACT SCOTT BAILEY 027 241 6838 or (07) 552 6585 scott@mountviewbuilders.co.nz New Homes • Renovations • Construction P. 021 438 533 | www. l ivl ight.co.nz Partnerwith the Experts Liv Light handles all your architectural lighting needs, from custom plans to one-off LED solutions. We make planning, designing, sourcing, and supplying hassle-free, catering to new residential builds, large commercial spaces, outdoor areas, and renovations.
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