74 | ARCHITECTURE Staple Architecture & Bruce Design & Build T T Kim Newth Mid-century modern style revisited Staple Architecture and Bruce Design & Build are the Nelson-based design and build team behind a distinctive new two-storey home, currently under construction on a commanding site on Valhalla Drive in the Richmond Hills. Architectural designers Brittany McGregor and husband Jarrod founded Staple Architecture in 2021 with a shared vision to provide clients embarking on new home or renovation journeys with thoughtful design and quality advice. Bruce Design & Build, led by Russell & Alana Bruce, has a strong reputation in the region as a quality-driven, cost-effective Master Builder. “We do a lot of house designs in conjunction with Bruce Design & Build,” explains Brittany. “When the client for this latest project approached Bruce Design & Build, we were then invited on board as the architectural designer. The Bruce Design & Build team has been involved in the design process every step of the way too, giving input on important aspects like cost and pricing, and making sure everything would fit.” “The client and I both really like mid-century modern style too, and you can definitely see that in many aspects of this design ...” The Richmond Hills homeowner well-appreciated the potential of their 660sqm Valhalla Drive site when they purchased it because they were already living in a house next door. Being an older retired couple, they wanted their new home to be a little smaller than their existing one as well as functional and easy to live in, and to make the most of sun and elevated views. “As this is going to be their forever home, they had detailed requirements for what they wanted, such as specific floor heights to maximise the views and two double-garages [one on each level] to accommodate their vehicles. “The client and I both really like mid-century modern style too, and you can definitely see that in many aspects of this design, from curved elements to flat monopitch roofing.” A key design priority, given the site’s corner location by a sweeping road, was to ensure privacy would be protected without blocking sunshine and outlook. Well-placed garage doors on each level will provide screening from the road. The clever upper-level design ensures kitchen/dining spaces will be tucked away out of sight behind exterior vertical glass louvres that can be angled to capture sun and views as desired. “Those are my favourite feature in the house. We tried a few different solutions, but this is undoubtedly the best. We are using a completely customised system created by All Stainless and Viridian Glass.” The internal design of this 340sqm home will mean downstairs areas can be completely shut off from the top floor if needed. Along with garaging, two guest bedrooms, a bathroom and a small sitting room form the downstairs layout, with a lift to the upper level. The couple’s main home will be upstairs, comprising master bedroom, bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, laundry with outside access, a small study/hobby room and a large open plan kitchen/dining/living/entertaining area, flowing to outdoor decking. “Being on a hill, it can get quite windy, and they wanted a space where they could still be outside but protected from wind and rain. The central deck area will provide a cosy external nook, sheltered from all weathers.” With underfloor heating throughout – incorporated into the timber floor structure on the upper level – this home has been designed for year-round comfort. Exterior features include white brick cladding on the lower floor and warm cedar on the upper level. Decking, roof edges and the back of the home will be finished in lightweight Integra. Concrete block and a block veneer will provide additional texture with a modernist touch. Bringing it all together on site is Bruce Design & Build, with their team having commenced construction in September 2023. Staple Architecture and Bruce Design & Build are both proud to be a part of this landmark home and look forward to further collaborations in 2024 and beyond. 3 Nashi Place, Stoke, Nelson | Phone 021 989 590 | info@brucebuilders.co.nz www.brucebuilders.co.nz
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=