82 | ARCHITECTURE ICR Studio Architects Rosa Watson Compact home turns heads at awards “The roof shape, though, is quite unique. From certain angles, it may appear flat. From others an intriguing shape is revealed.” Designed by Tauranga-based architecture practice Arkhe, a modestly sized house that packs a lot of punch has turned heads at industry awards. The 115sqm Kokako Heights, located at the Matata Conservation Estate near Whakatane, is a relatively compact footprint for a three-bedroom home. But the home stood out to industry peers. It picked up the 2024 ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Award for New Homes up to 150sqm, and was a finalist in the Best Awards residential category. The budget for the project was $750,000, which took into account the steep site access, and the unique bespoke features, as well as high-quality fittings and finishes, Arkhe director Diego Marangoni says. The brief was very simple, Diego says – a modestly sized home that would sit respectfully amongst the abundant native bush and make the most of the views of the ocean and Whale Island. The design response was a smaller-size pavilion positioned along the northern edge of the site, ensuring easy access and optimal alignment with views and sunlight. The colour palette was chosen to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding bush, and large sliding doors allow direct flow to outdoor areas. The building took a straightforward form: a rectangle bookended by guest and main bedrooms, with generous open living in the middle. Much of the decisions were dictated by the site with its north-facing aspect and views, Diego says. “The roof shape, though, is quite unique. From certain angles, it may appear flat. From others an intriguing shape is revealed.” The building gradually rises from west to east, where it reaches its maximum height, making the most of the morning sun. Diego says the key to the unique roof shape is a diagonal ridgeline, which allows the roof form to appear flat on the southern side, while on the northern side it presents as a mono-pitch. “As a general principle, my practice aims to reduce the building footprint as much as possible whilst delivering our client’s spatial requirements. “Reducing the overall building size makes the most of the clients’ budgets, allowing for creative solutions and better finishes and fittings. In this case, the site restrictions nudged us towards a small footprint anyway.” He is thrilled with the final result. “I think this project is very successful in addressing the client’s brief. “The building sits respectfully amongst the surrounding native bush, almost as if it was sculpted out of the site’s morphology.” While not the most luxurious entry to both the ADNZ and Best awards, the project has been acknowledged by the industry on its own merits, Diego says. ADNZ judges praised the “simply folded roof design that elegantly graces the house, showcasing a meticulous balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal. Despite its modest footprint, the home boasts a thoughtfully designed layout that seamlessly integrates living spaces, with a central positioning enhancing accessibility and flow.” The win reinforces the firm’s approach to its work, Diego says. “These awards vindicate and reinforce my practice ethos: to design considered and sustainable houses, questioning and, sometimes, subverting the usual market dictates.” Arkhe Architecture Meeting industry needs Kim Newth i n d u s t r i a l With 20 years of expertise in architectural design, we specialize in crafting innovative and functional spaces across the industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. s t u d i o a r c h i t e c t u r a l d e s i g n www.icr.co.nz 09 379 8647 info@icr.co.nz www.ljpl.co.nz 09 302 0923 Proudly supporting ICR Studio Architects Lawrence Jones Par tners S I N C E 1 9 6 0 Electrical EngineeringDesign Lighting, Power, Data, & Wired Services Design Contract Documentation & Site Observation HVACDesign Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Design Hydraulic Design Drainage & Plumbing Design ICR Studio’s team of six are skilled in delivering process-focused design solutions. Founded in 2005, ICR Studio is a respected Parnell-based practice with a strong specialist track record in commercial and industrial design. Their award-winning team works collaboratively and creatively with clients throughout New Zealand and the Cook Islands to create simple and compelling architectural solutions. Principal and founder of ICR Studio, Phil Shaw, started his career in the Thames Valley, and then moved to Auckland to grow his skills and experience. He spent 15 years working for other design consultancies before starting his own practice. Over the past 20 years, ICR Studio has built an enviable reputation for creating spaces that function exceptionally well. Phil says good design comes through listening, deliberation and collaboration to achieve well-crafted outcomes that fit clients’ needs. “In our early contractor engagement with clients, we’re not necessarily spending a lot of time with the CEO,” observes Phil. “We’re just as likely to be with the forklift driver as we build our understanding of how that business operates and what the challenges are.” ICR Studio’s team of six are skilled in delivering process-focused design solutions for a variety of project needs. “Historically, we’ve had a lot of experience in the petroleum industry, which is now transitioning to alternative fuels,” says Phil. “It’ll be interesting to see how that pathway develops, and it’s quite exciting to be a part of it. We also work with food-processing companies such as George Weston Foods, [which produces many of New Zealand’s wellknown bread and pie brands]. For example, we recently designed a new, purpose-built gluten-free production facility for them. Demand for gluten-free product is rising exponentially.” The studio’s diverse portfolio includes laboratory and pharmaceutical projects, too. ICR is currently working with Fonterra on their research facility laboratories in Palmerston North, while working with Watercare as part of the design team for a new water-treatment plant in Papakura was a particularly memorable project for the team, with the design phase coinciding with Covid. While challenging, Phil says it was a very rewarding project for all involved. For projects like these, success is measured not so much on outward aesthetics, but on functionality and fit, so that equipment and services will run smoothly.
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