86 | T T Kim Newth Sculptural homes designed to please Cate Creemers’ designs reflect her love of natural materials and interesting textures. Cate Creemers “The clients were amazing in terms of entrusting me to interpret what they wanted.” ARCHITECTURE Auckland architect Cate Creemers is known for her crafted, sculptural home designs that are in synch with her clients’ lifestyles, location and the environment. She works closely with clients to achieve quality results, offering full architectural services, from initial site analysis and design through to construction observation – in fact, all the way through to cabinetry, built-in furniture and selection of interior finishes. “I can do a full design service, including interior fit-out, and I offer site observation during construction as well, because so many decisions get made along the way,” says Cate. After graduating in 1996, Cate worked in London for a time when CAD was first emerging as an exciting new technology. After returning home she worked for Copeland Associates Architects for several years, gaining experience across a wide range of projects and sectors. By 2011, she was ready to start her own practice. A landmark farmhouse project led to many more inspiring residential designs, both new builds and renovations. Through the years, Cate has won acclaim for her distinctive architectural style using forms that respond to place and strongly articulate space. Her designs also reflect her love of natural materials and interesting textures. She takes the time to understand her clients and their lifestyle goals, but says every project evolves differently. Some clients have strong ideas, while others leave room for interpretation. For example, when some friends first approached her to design a home for them in Tauranga’s Welcome Bay foothills, they were not prescriptive. Instead, they gave her the freedom to create something truly outstanding on their incredible site. ‘ MV House’ won a 2022 Waikato/Bay of Plenty Architecture Award and a national Master Builders House of the Year title in the $2m-$4m category that same year. “The clients were amazing in terms of entrusting me to interpret what they wanted,” says Cate. “I knew them well, their personalities and their love of art and design. “The views out to Mauao Mount Maunganui from their site were stunning, and that became a key driver in the design.” Entry to the four-bedroom home is via a gorgeous gallery housing the owners’ extensive art collection. Step through a large pivot door and the spectacular view beyond then takes centre stage, punctuated by structural blade walls that create different zones within the large open living space. River Terrace House in Clevedon is another stunning home on a spectacular site. When Cate and her husband Robert stumbled across the site two years ago – on a narrow crest of land overlooking the Wairoa River floodplains and with Te Nīkau Pā (Clevedon Scenic Reserve) directly north – they instantly connected with it. Bare grassland has since been transformed into a meticulously crafted architectural retreat, carefully embedded in the breathtaking natural landscape. “This is a very special project, one that has been thoroughly enjoyable as we had such an incredible team of builders and contractors, who took such care in delivering it. “We used Gavin Lucas/Lucas Building Solutions as the lead builder and our company APS Ltd for a number of the trades and for landscaping.” Cate works on a limited number of projects at a time, but warmly welcomes enquiries on new-home projects, particularly in the Clevedon and Whitford area where she lives and works. Flooring Xtra - Papakura are proud to support Cate Creemers. Providing Total Survey Solutions across the Auckland region. We’re large enough to offer a complete solution, yet small enough to ensure you receive personal service at every stage of your project. SURVEYING ENGINEERING PLANNING www.mrl.co.nz 09 298 7288 Custom-Built Furniture for your home & business in Auckland We provide a free no obligation quote Call us today 0800 024 405 | www.optimumfurniture.co.nz
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