80 | Creative exploration to the fore What began as a plan to renovate a much-loved Lockwood bach evolved into an entirely new build that cleverly retains the form, footprint, and nostalgic character of the original home. Dorrington Atcheson Architects T T Kelly Deeks “There’s a sense of openness and welcome that reflects how our clients have used this place over the past 10 years.” ARCHITECTURE A challenging lakefront build has earned Auckland-based boutique firm Dorrington Atcheson Architects top honours in the 2025 Waikato & Bay of Plenty Architecture Awards, a win that further cements the practice’s reputation for delivering distinctive and highly resolved residential architecture. Directors Tim Dorrington and Sam Atcheson bring more than 20 years of experience to their work, underpinned by a spirit of creative exploration and a deep respect for the collaborative process. “We don’t have a fixed style,” Sam says. “Each project is its own journey, shaped by the clients, the site, and the stories that come with it.” Their award-winning Waikuta Road project in Ngongotahā exemplifies this ethos. What began as a plan to renovate a much-loved Lockwood bach evolved into an entirely new build that cleverly retains the form, footprint, and nostalgic character of the original home, all while meeting the demands of a modern lifestyle and a challenging building site. The site came with some serious technical hurdles, including a high flood level, strict planning constraints, and complex geotechnical requirements. “Before we could even think about design, there was a lot of groundwork that had to be done, both literally and figuratively,” Sam says. “The piling, the ground engineering, the building envelope restrictions; it was a big piece of work before any walls could even go up.” The structure, completed by Oswald Construction and their team of dedicated subcontractors, demanded a high level of craftsmanship. Natural materials were used throughout, including plywood interiors and finely detailed redwood lining. “It’s always exciting when a builder leans into that level of detail,” Sam says. “The negative joins, the sheet alignments. Walking through now you can really see how carefully it’s all been executed.” The design is split into two distinct but connected volumes. One mimics the scale and pitch of the original Lockwood bach and faces the lakefront with warmth and humility. The other street-facing form introduces a more expressive architectural language, giving the home a bold new identity from the road. The combination creates a striking yet approachable home that connects with the lake community and the surrounding neighbourhood. “People are constantly walking the lakefront, and the house had to engage with that,” Sam says. “There’s a sense of openness and welcome that reflects how our clients have used this place over the past 10 years.” Returning to the finished project to meet with awards judges and photograph the home in use, Sam says it’s always rewarding to see how clients live in the spaces they created together. “It’s great seeing it functioning, seeing the little moments of the design come to life.” The win comes at a time of renewed momentum for Dorrington Atcheson Architects, with several new residential projects underway and more in the pipeline. “A few projects that were on hold have now come back online,” Sam says. “People want to go on that creative journey with us, and we’re excited to be working with some great clients.” With a blend of technical know-how, thoughtful design, and a genuine love for residential architecture, Dorrington Atcheson Architects continues to turn complex sites into award-winning homes that feel both fresh and familiar. 07 348 5149 | www.temprite.co.nz
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=