50 | ARCHITECTURE Athfield Architects A tailored design response The architecture interprets the ‘bony’ industrial heritage of remnant coal mining structures to the west. Photos: Oliver Weber. Phone: 03 983 5500 waterfordpress.co.nz Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. DO OUR READERS KNOW YOU EXIST? Surrounded by Kanuka trees and regenerating bush in Puponga, Golden Bay, Athfield Architects’ award winning bach sits partly perched on an old built-up rail embankment, once the line for delivering coal by a small train out to the Puponga wharf and waiting scows. Designed for a Wellington based client, the bach sits at the base of Onetahua/Farewell Spit, on a narrow stretch of coastal land between the open Golden Bay and an inland estuary wrapping in behind. This top left-hand corner of the South Island is where the dramatic west coast landscape swings sand around to form Onetahua and the sheltered Golden Bay to the east. The brief provided to Athfield Architects’ Wellington team called for a discrete place that respected and engaged with the distinct setting, and provided an environment that would feel right for 2-4 people staying, but also feel great for extended gatherings at holidays. The design response is a 22m x 5m lightweight building straddling the raised rail embankment. The elevated main level, accessed from atop the embankment, provides flexible living/ sleeping space to the north and a main bedroom/ bathroom to the south. These spaces provide filtered views of the estuary and bay on alternate sides, while a lower-level sheltered deck with bedroom pod connects to ‘lower ground’ establishing a base for overflow accommodation. A sequence of open spaces along the escarpment ‘ridge’ extends through the centre of the house, shaping the arrival experience and connecting the upper level with a range of living spaces, inside and out. John Hardwick-Smith, Athfield Architects’ Wellington Principal, says the architecture interprets the ‘bony’ industrial heritage of remnant coal mining structures to the west. “It’s quite a small modest building, but it’s positioned so that as you come onto the site you move through it, and parts of the views are revealed in each space. The site is quite unique in that you can get a sense of the west coast, a sense of farewell spit, and of the east coast. It’s a shy building, and I think its strengths are not really about itself as an object, but as a ‘vessel’ that helps reveal the many beautiful layers of the site and provide a range connected indoor and outdoor settings for people to engage with and enjoy the place.” Shortlisted by the jury at this year’s Nelson/ Marlborough NZIA Awards, the bach recently took one of the two top awards in the housing category. “I think the jury appreciated the simplicity of the project and the way it quietly revealed parts of the site — the escarpment, the estuary, the bay, the various glimpses of special views through the kanuka bush.” A strong advocate of the award programme, John says Athfield Architects’ values the forum for critical review of projects, and being part of the design discussion in New Zealand. “We can’t stress enough the generosity of our clients in putting their house forward, hosting the jury visit, and being open to the publicity. While these awards focus on the architects, all projects are a collaboration, particularly in this case. “These clients were very attuned to the site, and actively contributed through the design and construction. Dari Harris Builders were equally on board with their construction ingenuity and craft. This project was a true collaboration between client, architect and builder.” T Richard Loader Shane Fleming ‘The Pupu Plumber’ - 027 8116 243 | abeltasmanplumbing.co.nz • Gasfitter • Drainlayer • Certifying • Plumber Friendly helpful service anytime
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