68 | 3D modelling gives clients clear view of project T T Bernadette Cooney ‘Angle Grinder’ house standout at awards Maxar Architecture T T Sue Russell ARCHITECTURE Mark Frazerhurst Architects Maxar Architecture is based in Waipu, south of Whangarei in Northland. It’s a small but well experienced architecture practice mainly specialising in residential work. Adam Welford is the director of the practice and enjoys the design challenges that come from working on residential projects. Typically a commission begins by meeting clients on site and thereafter a detailed brief document is worked through. Adam says the process may begin with very few fixed ideas, while others have firm thoughts as to what they want in the design. “The brief is usually a one to two hour process where we’re picking their brains for each individual room, from cladding through to style. If they are not sure, we make suggestions and eventually a clearer design begins to form,” Adam explains. Maxar Architecture specialise in the use of 3D modelling, enabling clients to clearly visualise the design, to really gain a sense of what the spaces feel like. It’s a fantastic tool and far more effective than working off a set of plans. A strength of the practice, Adam says, is in the quality of professional colleagues that sit around the design to build process – engineers, lighting specialists, interior designers and builders all play their part in bringing life to a design. Working with Adam are Val and Brendon, both experiences designers with a wealth of experience in Architectural design and construction drawings A project, currently underway is located on Albany Road in one tree point. Adam says that working so close to the water creates a multitude of additional challenges being positioned right on the foreshore of the harbour. A uniquely striking one-bedroom home, designed by Auckland registered architect Mark Frazerhurst for his parents, was a category winner in the 2023 NZIA Auckland Architecture Awards and was nominated for the 2024 Arch Daily Building of the Year. This stunning design and labour of love exemplifies Frazerhurst’s dedication and craftsmanship. The home, located in St Heliers, sits on the edge of a steep volcanic crater, offering panoramic views of the crater cone and lush greenery of Glover Park. Inspired by a sculpture made from a roll of corrugated iron tumbling down a hillside, this award-winning house was handcrafted over nine years. The 185sqm home for two, similarly cascades down a rocky hillside site, taking its form from an element constituting both roof and wall planes, folding its way down the slope, linking indoor and outdoor spaces across four levels. Dubbed the Angle Grinder, the house is situated on a south-facing section. Its natural vegetation and clever landscaping protect it from north-easterly winds. Clad in ribbed metal profiling and cedar timber screening, the house reflects Frazerhurst’s meticulous approach to architecture. “It’s the most memorable project and one I’m most proud of,” says Mark. “It was certainly the longest project, as I physically built much of it myself.” A self-described hands-on architect, Mark is one half of Mark Frazerhurst Architects, with his wife Kate, a qualified hardscape designer making up the whole of the dual service practice. Mark and Kate established their practice in 2006 and offer a multidimensional architecture and landscaping service targeting the whole site from the conceptual design stage. “Architectural design does overlap with hardscape and landscaping design, especially in terms of materials and techniques used to achieve greater connectivity from inside to outside,” says Mark. The professional rigour required of a New Zealand registered architect makes all the difference to a project. “Registered architects possess a huge wealth of knowledge and not just technical knowledge, but contextual and social knowledge about how spaces work,”” says Mark, “I’m a generalist, so I know something of every part of the process, and I craft my architecture, taking a lot of care in how it goes together and its detailing.” Mark Frazerhurst Architects strive to exceed client expectations by challenging common responses to problem solving and embracing the collaboration between architect, client and builder. “It’s all about relationship. Engage early and establish trust and you’re more likely to achieve your dream project.” An award-winning practice with a can do attitude, even the company’s own Teed Street studio is a finalist in the 2024 Interior Awards for workplace up to 1000 sq. metres. “It’s only a tiny 30 sq. metre office so its humbling to be shortlisted,” says Mark whose scope of work included design, fabrication, fit out and installation in the historic Hayes Building. The studio leans into the original character of the former metal refinery, using walnut panelling, Abodo lining and white oak and plywood furniture in balance with rough cast concrete and textured plaster. Mark Frazerhurst Architects are committed to innovative design, client collaboration and a comprehensive approach. “Building on the coast has become a much more involved process in terms of local council requirements, requiring coastal inundation and detailed geo-tech reports from specialist engineers. These as well as resource consents and council fees can add upward of $50,000 to the cost of the build.” To eliminate any potential for predicted future flooding, the homes floor level has been raised 800mm. With garage floor levels below this designed using concrete block, should there be any water issue the buildings integrity will not be compromised. Chrispy Builders are undertaking the build; a well-known and highly respected building company in the region. “One of the great things about working in design is being part of a team striving to get the best results we can for our clients.” Adam’s journey to where he and the business is now has been quite involved. He moved into the region in 1998 having worked 10 years in London, working as a surveyor. During his time there he undertook training which covered all construction, including architecture. He began working for several housing companies and Kerry Francis Architect who now teaches design at Unitec. “I always enjoyed drawing and had an eye for detail and art. I especially enjoy working alongside builders and contractors. It’s incredibly important that builders and designers work together on a project.” Apart from working locally in the fabulous far North, Maxar Architecture has also undertaken designs all over New Zealand and occasional in the Islands. “We’re really happy with our situation as a well-known design studio. This part of the country is very special, with amazing coastal views and wonderful land forms which influence the type of design we create for our clients.” “I’m a generalist, so I know something of every part of the process, and I craft my architecture....” maxar.co.nz 027 236 0782 | www.groundprojects.co.nz Proudly providing geotechnical engineering services to Mark Frazerhurst Architects
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