80 | ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 35 Below Architectural Design Renovations & New Builds projects@renovationmasterswhangarei.co.nz • www.renovationmasterswhangarei.co.nz Greg Adams 027 497 9931 • Ryan Adams 027 289 9623 Proud to be bringing 35 Below’s vision to life across Northland. Cam Blackley | 0274 417 9071 cam@masterbuilthomes.co.nz masterbuilthomes.co.nz ARCHITECTURAL NEW BUILDS • RENOVATIONS • EXTENSIONS New Zealand Certi ed Builders Association CB T T Kim Newth Local knowledge underpins designs Local knowledge plays an important role in the way 35 Below approaches design. “It’s amazing here and I’ve lived here forever, excluding my extended OE. I know the environment, the sun and prevailing winds....” Launched in 2023, Northland-based 35 Below Architectural Design is building a growing portfolio of design led renovations, new homes and coastal projects across the region. At the centre of the practice is founder Adam Baker, whose pathway into architectural design began on the building site rather than behind a drawing board. Adam completed a building apprenticeship and worked for several years as a qualified builder before heading overseas, where he worked as a carpenter and deckhand on superyachts. Travelling also exposed him to different styles of architecture and sparked an interest in moving from building homes to designing them. “I’ve got a good mate in Whangārei, Kyle Kake at Mason Street Architectural Drafting, who gave me a few pointers and put me in the right direction,” says Adam. “So, when I was travelling through Sri Lanka I started studying through Open Polytechnic. After returning to New Zealand, I then renovated my own home and, when the time was right, Kyle took me on at Mason Street.” Adam spent the next five years developing his architectural design and drafting experience before launching 35 Below in 2023. That timing also gave him more flexibility to spend time with his young family. His partner Alana is involved in the business too, looking after branding and marketing, while designer Annie joined the team on a casual basis more recently. The name 35 Below refers to the latitude line ‘below’ the equator running through Northland, from Ahipara to Mangawhai and reflects Adam’s strong connection to the region. He grew up in Northland and has spent much of his life surfing, fishing and exploring its coastline. Today, the studio is based at Whangārei Heads. “It’s amazing here and I’ve lived here forever, excluding my extended OE. I know the environment, the sun and prevailing winds, and I know a lot of people out here too,” says Adam. That local knowledge plays an important role in the way 35 Below approaches design. Adam considers how a home sits on the land, responds to the environment and works for the people who will live there. His construction background brings another important layer to the process. Having spent years building from other people’s drawings, Adam understands how decisions made during design translate on site. Buildability, detailing and construction practicality are considered alongside the architectural outcome from the beginning. Much of 35 Below’s work comes through strong relationships with local builders and consultants, including Nev Wilson, of Taiao Architecture and Engineering. While Northland remains the studio’s main focus, 35 Below has completed work farther afield including the Coromandel, and recently completed a clifftop home on Waiheke Island featuring vertical shou sugi ban charred Accoya cladding. Closer to home, several substantial renovations are currently in the preliminary design stages. One sits beside an estuary, where the design will extend the existing kitchen and living spaces, completely change the roof form and introduce a new pool and large outdoor living area. The aim is to give the home a contemporary architectural identity while ensuring it still feels settled in its coastal surroundings. Another project overlooking Parua Bay Harbour will substantially transform the appearance and layout of the existing home, making better use of its location and views.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=