82 | ARCHITECTURE Pepper Architects T T Kim Newth Enjoying a Waiheke state of mind Michael’s local experience with Waiheke’s spectacular coastal landscapes is of immense benefit to his clients. Seasoned architect Michael Pepper has worked extensively over the past three decades in Auckland, Berlin and London, but ultimately, it’s Waiheke Island that has claimed his heart as a place to live and work. Michael has been designing homes out of his Waiheke Island studio, Pepper Architects, for the past five years, specialising in designs to enrich and amplify the experience of living on Waiheke, creating simple, sculptural homes in step with the beach lifestyle and the island environment. Michael’s local experience with Waiheke’s spectacular coastal landscapes is of immense benefit to his clients. “The sites here are challenging and the consenting processes are arduous, but I have built up a cadre of consultants who specialise in the Waiheke conditions. Together, we minimise the costs and smooth out what could otherwise be a very stressful experience.” As Michael observes, the best strategy for minimising project costs is to start at the beginning of the design process. “If you can do things like reduce the cuts into the ground that will reverberate across the whole project in a positive way.” Pepper Architects strives to create carefully considered designs that balance beauty, light, shelter, strength and comfort. One of Michael’s recent designs – a Waiheke headland holiday home called Belle View, which is an exquisite coastal home with expansive ocean views – illustrates this ethos very well. “The site is steep and the prevailing southwest wind comes off the bay and slams into the house. In this project, I broke the house down into five separate building volumes stepping down the site, and positioned them for sun and views to provide sheltered courtyards on the east and west sides, so at least one of them would always be out of the wind. Then I used a very sculptural roof form that cantilevered out over these courtyard spaces to create a little more shelter. Making the walls all glass ensured the sun would penetrate through, and that views over the bay and the gulf were maintained.” Both this design, along with another recent luxury Waiheke Island holiday home project, make extensive use of raw materials to add visual and tactile appeal. The added advantage is that if one material can do the job of two, this will also cut project costs. While it has been a challenging couple of years in the building industry, Michael is hopeful the tide is starting to turn now that interest rates and building costs are inching lower. Pepper Architects has some exciting new projects on the drawing board. “Currently, I’m working on a beautiful, simple, humble yet extremely nuanced home for a Paris-based fashion designer, and another really cool family home in Wānaka – both projects get me pretty excited.” For those thinking of dusting off new-home dreams, this could be a good time to start putting plans in motion for 2025. “One of the challenges when you’re building is getting in phase with the property market, with all your consents lined up so you can actually build.” Michael says. “So, if you think that by the end of 2025 things are going to be looking a lot better, you need to start now with your design and consenting process.” Proudly supporting Pepper Architects 027 236 0779 | info@groundprojects.co.nz At Linpro, we turn your dream into a reality. We work closely with you and your design team to create your legacy. Project management is at the heart of what we do. Through strong relationships we will provide a qualified team of subcontractors and consultants to ensure everything is delivered to the highest standards. • PROJECT DESIGN • CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION • QUALITY ASSURANCE • PROJECT & SITE MANAGEMENT • CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMMING www.linpro.co.nz | info@linpro.co.nz | Damian - 027 411 9895 | Charl - 027 258 6622
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