Business North October 2021

88 | Pure Architecture Boutique practice offers a raft of services A special feature is the precast concrete walls finished with rough sawn timber that run through the centre of the home. Photo: Mark Scowen Photography ARCHITECTURE Sue Russell W hen architectural designer Tony Irving returned from overseas he initially contracted his professional services until establishing Pure Architecture, formally Pure Plans, a decade ago. He began with relatively simple renovation and extension work before evolving, as his reputation grew, into new residential projects and some commercial work. Today, he has a successful boutique prac- tice and offers a raft of architectural services, including concept design, working drawings, 3D Image rendering, managing resource and building consent processes as required, through to ongoing engagement with builders. To assist prospective clients Tony has also developed his own 12-step guide, to help form more specific thinking regarding what each client is seeking in their home. “I send it to them to fill in. It is essentially 12 questions that prompt some answers, opening the door on things to consider and its proved really useful as a starting point.” He’s learnt too that the better and more en- gaging the design-brief process is, the better the whole project proceeds and at the basis of this is a high level of engagement with clients through the whole design process. “I also work closely with builders as some- times there are changes made once building gets underway.” Asked what sits fundamental to great de- sign Tony says simplicity/keeping it simple is really important. “Good design is timeless – great design will affect your well-being in a positive way. I love the idea of Biophilic design which is maintain- ing connection with nature.” He gives as an example the use of rough sawn timber-board formed concrete walls. When the timber is removed the concrete has the rough sawn timber imprint, inviting people to touch it. “You see the connection it has with people. I believe great design/architecture maintains that connection with nature within spaces that are simple and functional whilst connecting to the outdoor environment.” Even right from the start when sketching out ideas Tony considers the connection to the landscape, the orientation of the site as it relates to sunrise, sunset, views, prevailing winds, along with any other nature features. This in turn influences not only the layout but his initial ideas of materials that may feature. He also understands that to grasp the de- sign concept fully it helps some clients to see the drawings come to life through modelling and 3D image rendering. “It makes such a difference when a client can see what the design will look like in a very realistic way on the site.” Tony and wife Rachel are very proud to now be living, with their two sons, in a home he designed. The home is a 377sqm three level dwelling in Cockle Bay, East Auckland. “We loved the location, close to the boys school and family. We wanted to accommo- date our family comfortably plus guests/ex- tended family and be a home we would enjoy for years to come.” The main construction was completed and the family moved in July 2019. “It took some time to get planting in place and finish off some landscaping and internal furniture items I designed and had built using Plytech Polaris.” Tony says Willie James, of James Bros Construction did a fantastic job building their beautiful home and the project ran very smoothly. A special feature is the pre-cast concrete walls finished with rough sawn timber that run through the centre of the home from the outside edge of the garage/home entry to internally where the internal wall acts as a Trombe wall with a large north facing skylight window in the living room. “Winter sun hits the concrete pre-cast wall heating it up during the day then emanat- ing that heat out when we are home in the evening. “ If there is no sun we have hydronic hot wa- ter heating pipes installed within this internal pre-cast panel and linked with the basement concrete slab which acts like a large concrete radiator. “I love lying on the basement cold concrete polished slab floor in the heat of a summers day. We also enjoy watching our boys grow within the new home that allows them plenty of space to be boys.” This year has been challenging and exciting with some really great projects on the desk and some of these are about to get underway on site. “Pure Architecture practice is just me - so I handle each project from initial meeting right through to consents granted and any help when on site under construction as required.” “Good design is timeless – great design will affect your well-being in a positive way. I love the idea of Biophilic design which is maintaining connection with nature. PROUD TO WORK WITH PURE ARCHITECTURE We’ve got you covered: ∙ New Builds ∙ Renovations ∙ Colours and Finishes ∙ Maintenance ∙ Construction ∙ Watercare 021 376 652 info@infinitypools.co.nz www.infinitypools.co.nz