VALLEY HOUSE

20 Jan

VALLEY HOUSE

LOCATION
TYPE
STATUS
AREA
CLIENT
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Auckland, Aotearoa NZ
Residential
Built
400 m²
Undisclosed
T. Seear-Budd, S. Wilson

The Valley House design process began with an exploration into the origins of aspects of New Zealand architecture. Working with a large villa, this involved research into the formal language which influenced the New Zealand Victorian villa style. This led us to Neo-classicism and the proportions, order and architectonics of this style – and how these could be experimented with using current materials and technologies.

This provided the framework for the new extension, which is based around a large bay window overlooking the pool terrace. By stripping away any excess, we arrived at a refined interpretation of this well-known form.

This approach to reduction of excess flowed through into our ethos for the interiors. The design process involved a constant questioning of essentials – how elements can function and be presented in their purest form. Examples of this are hidden doors which when open become one with the walls, handles integrated into door frames, and the kitchen serving as a place to gather and interact by breaking down the barrier between the common arrangement of main kitchen, and concealed scullery.