82 | Sayes Jackson Architects & Tomik: The Strand T T Kelly Deeks Answering challenges with expertise ARCHITECTURE A recent transformation of a challenging Waiheke site into a striking beachfront home showcases the technical expertise and collaborative approach of Auckland-based Sayes Jackson Architects. The project highlights how careful design, detailed planning, and specialist contractors can turn a challenging cliff-side site into a seamless, high-end residence. The home on The Strand at Onetangi Beach was designed by friend of the owners and commercial architect Peter Cui, and was taken through the complex documentation and build phases by Sayes Jackson Architects’ Nick Sayes and Luke Jackson. “Peter had formed the general intent, selected materials, and got it to resource consent stage,” Nick says. “Our role was to add architectural detailing and technical solutions that enhanced the original design.” Squeezing a house on to a small beachfront parcel at the base of a cliff required precise coordination. The site’s dramatic slope and proximity to the water table presented structural and logistical challenges. “We are often engaged by other architects to provide follow-through services on technically complex projects,” Luke says. “This house was a perfect example, with a steep cliff face and just a sliver of land for the building footprint. Every element had to be carefully considered.” The project relied on a full consultant team, including an interior designer, joinery designer, landscape architect, and specialist contractors. Key contributors included Earth Stability, Sterling Glass, Astech Electrical, CV Plumbing, and Adlux, who provided a bespoke skylight at the top of the three-level internal stairway. “Without the professionals consulting on this project, a house of this scale and complexity simply couldn’t have been built,” Nick says. Construction was handled by Tomik Construction, the architects’ first collaboration with the local Waiheke team. “Remote locations present extra costs and challenges, so having an experienced islandbased builder ensured technical issues could be resolved efficiently,” Luke says. “Every technical problem we solved required the builder to execute it on-site, and Tomik Construction proved an excellent partner.” A standout feature of the home for Sayes Jackson Architects is the internal staircase, located at the back of the house against the cliff. This made natural light a key concern, and a custom-designed screen and skylight were installed to channel light down through the stairwell while creating ventilation. “The skylight opens to create a chimney effect,” Nick says. “Heat is drawn through the house and up the stairwell, which was essential given the back wall has no windows. It turned a technical challenge into a design feature.” Excavating the cliff itself required specialist techniques, including abseiling to position equipment and carefully removing rock. “We worked closely with the geotechnical engineers, the builder, and specialist groundstabilising contractor to make it happen safely and effectively,” Luke says. “Every detail had to be coordinated to maintain clean, sleek lines, while addressing technical constraints.” The client’s decision to engage Peter Cui, a trusted family friend, highlights the value of personal relationships in high-end residential projects. “They knew him well, and he’s even lived with them for a time so he completely understood the lifestyle he was designing for,” Nick says. “It’s a great example of combining personal connection with technical expertise.” Founded in 2016, Sayes Jackson Architects specialises in high-end, technically complex residential projects. Nick and Luke emphasise collaboration, combining design, technical detailing, and project management to deliver a refined final product. “A registered architect is the ideal professional partner to guide a project from concept to completion.” “Collaboration with the right consultants and contractors at the right time is key to achieving the best outcome.” The Strand project demonstrates how careful planning, technical expertise, and trusted partnerships can transform a challenging site into a home that is both architecturally sophisticated and perfectly suited to its owners’ lifestyle. Phone: 09 378 0619 Email: info@earthstability.co.nz www.earthstability.co.nz REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION • Land Slip Repairs • All types of NHC/EQC work • Cliff & Slope Reinforcement / Strengthening • Retaining walls • Soilnails • Ground Anchors • Micropiles • Shotcrete/Sprayed concrete • Rope Access • Restricted Access • Cliff top property maintenance • Piling
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=