| 87 T T Sue Russell Exploring opportunities The home’s footprint and interior layout has made the best use of a challenging site. Mulu Design Workshop ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN When it comes to creating a name for their architectural and interiors design company, Shirong (Shawn) Zhang and Xia (Summer) Lin found a creative way to come up with the perfect answer. “We chose to blend the names of our two cats, Muji and Lulu, and the result was Mulu which worked perfectly,” says Shirong. The founding vision was to work for clients in the mid to higher-end project space, however as often happens with pioneering your own path, the couple initially took on simple renovation projects. “But then we slowly expanded our clients so these days we do renovations, new builds and developments and we’re pleased with how business has grown.” As evidence of gaining good traction in the industry, Mulu Design Workshop entered into this year’s ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards, receiving a regional award in the ‘New Home 150-300sqm category, along with commendation for the home’s interior design. Titled the ‘Courtyard House’ the home’s footprint and interior layout has made the best use of a challenging site at Hillcrest on Auckland’s North Shore. Carrying a Japanese-inspired influence, the home’s spatial and social heart is its courtyard, created by its two building forms turning their backs on neighbouring properties, as Shirong explains. “We didn’t see the site as presenting constraints but rather opportunities in its footprint.” Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. Each edition priority delivered to your door. i i i i li . www.waterfordpress.co.nz/subscriptions . t f . . / i ti 03 983 5500 Stay informed; we work with business owners and decision-makers across all economic sectors, profiling their success. t i f r ; r it i r i i - r acros ll i t r , r fili t ir . businessnorth businessnorth Carefully arranged around the small yet functional central courtyard, the impact of neighbouring density is minimised and light embraced, inviting privacy and calm. “The home is built on a steep section with irregular boundaries so the design approach, to embrace a split-level layout, maximises indoor and outdoor flow, creating natural ventilation and really efficient use of space.” ‘Courtyard House’ shows just what can be achieved with a collaborative design and interiors approach. The history of its design actually stems back many years with visits to Thailand, Japan and China, drawing inspiration on how small and challenging sites can be utilised to create a lovely welcoming home, with a sense of detachment from its surrounds. “It certainly helped form our thinking of the home’s design, bringing in adaptive shape to maximise its footprint within the irregular site, given we had a narrow site access. “Initially we didn’t think about a courtyard, we focussed more on the architectural shape and function, but I soon saw the potential to add real value through a central open space.” Certainly the clever, thoughtful design caught the eye of the ADNZ judging panel. T he kitchen and dining area at the south of the building enjoys the light flooding in from the central courtyard. Shirong says the home’s layout worked well with their life-style with Summer contributing greatly to the lay-out of the interior elements and the feeling the materials chosen invoked. Your Trusted Partner in Construction & Development. Frondent delivers end to end building and development solutions -from design and project management to construction and delivery, ensuring quality outcomes for every client Built with Quality, Designed for Living 027-8266688 Dan@frondent.co.nz frondent.co.nz Civil Engineering We design the infrastructure supporting Auckland’s development. Our specialist land development engineers offer a full range of services from concept through to completion. Surveying From site topographic surveying & subdivision plans to site set-out & land transfer survey, our experienced surveyors have you covered. Landscape Architecture Let our landscape designers bring your project to life, matching quality builds with appealing planting & outdoor living environments. Construction Monitoring We provide technical and practical expertise to deliver robust solutions for residential land development projects. Subdivision Management From feasibility studies through to issuing of titles, we can manage your subdivision project seamlessly Land development solutions, engineered for change. Let’s develop your vision. CALL US 09 956 2301 info@developed.co.nz developed.co.nz
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