| 77 “Every square metre must serve a distinct purpose, balancing maximum functionality with exceptional spatial quality.” SUR Architecture ARCHITECTURE Phone: 027 919 1965 Email: taylor@caldwellandhighsted.co.nz www.caldwellandhighsted.co.nz INNOVATIVE CONSTRUCTION Proudly supporting SUR Architecture Proud to work with SUR Architecture w w w . d s b u i l d i n g . c o . n z Call Dallas on 021 223 0810 T T Karen Phelps A journey of discovery The practice provides a full suite of architectural services, from concept design through to developed and detailed documentation and building permits. For SUR Architecture designing a home begins long before sitting down to actually draw the design. It starts with getting to know the people who will live in it, how they use their space, what matters to them and sometimes even the things they do not realise are important. Based in Dunedin and working on projects across Otago, the growing architectural practice takes a highly personal approach to design, working closely with clients to create spaces that reflect their individual needs and aspirations. “I work with the client very closely to try to interpret or understand how they live and what they need,” says Maria Callaú who owns SUR Architecture. “It’s important to take the time to have a conversation to understand who they are and what is important to them.” Visiting clients in their existing homes also forms part of the process. Maria says this provides an opportunity to observe how people live without being intrusive, revealing details that may not necessarily emerge through conversation. “It’s a journey of discovery,” she says. The approach leads to highly individual solutions. One example involved a couple who were downsizing after living for many years in a large house on a substantial site, with a big garden, high ceilings and an incredible view. Their new home would have a smaller footprint on a smaller site and garden but Maria found a way to carry some of the qualities of their previous home into the new design. “I designed the roof in a way that the lines and spatial characteristics of the other house were in the new house,” she says. “The design also allows for spaces to create a visual connection with the garden, helping the couple bring some of the special elements of their former home with them.” Making the most of every part of a building is another important principle for SUR Architecture. “I am against wasting space,” says Maria. “Every square metre must serve a distinct purpose, balancing maximum functionality with exceptional spatial quality.” Energy efficiency is also considered throughout the design process with the practice focusing on high-performance buildings that are efficient and affordable to heat. Ensuring energy is not lost through gaps and integrating energy strategies from the earliest stages are priorities, and Maria says that many clients approach the practice specifically for this expertise. The practice provides a full suite of architectural services, from concept design through to developed and detailed documentation and building permits. Its work encompasses new homes, renovations, extensions, retrofit projects and multi-unit developments. Current and recently completed projects include a high-performance house on a steep site in Andersons Bay, Dunedin and another one in Broad Bay Vista using structural insulated panels (SIPs) and a few renovations projects. Maria is currently working on several new houses including multi-unit developments across Dunedin. “I have no fear of challenging sites,” she says. “With a team in place, a good builder and engineer anything is possible. ‘There is always a way’ is my motto. It’s about exploring all options to find the right solution for a specific project.” Ph: 03 4771133 | E: mark@tlsurvey.co.nz | www.tlsurvey.co.nz • Land Survey Services • Building Setouts • Engineering Services • Resource Consents We provide a comprehensive service that includes all: Proudly supporting SUR Architecture
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