With an attitude that embraces any project, any scale and any budget, Vosterman Architects know that ‘good’ design is flexible and dynamic. It can even transform a small, south facing, steep site into a family home that functions perfectly and enjoys breath taking harbour views. This team of architects, with 28 years of experience, recognise the value of designing interesting, efficient homes that are affordable and exceed the clients expectations.
This NZIA award winning home is a prime example of responsive design. It maximises the stunning views of Wellington Harbour and ensures solar gain is prioritised. Under challenging site conditions, it avoids falling into the trap of sitting heavily on the site. Instead it uses a small retaining wall to anchor the structure and organic pole foundations to allow the building to hover over the landscape. In time, those poles will blend in seamlessly with the future planting of native bush.
The 135 square metre home sits snugly against the slope. Using educated solutions has meant that excavation was kept to a minimum and the ground underneath has been left untouched. An angled wall divides the living areas from the bedrooms and amenities. The layout, using differing levels and angles, ensures the house is fit for purpose.
The exterior cladding is kept simple by encasing the home in wide pan black steel cladding, making a statement of modernity, while also insuring this is an easy care, low maintenance option for the homeowners. Vosterman Architects are not timid and revel in adding a splash of colour with bold exterior doors shouting a hello in citrus hues. The black exterior is softened with ply soffits and timber stair balustrades.
The resourceful approach to design continues inside, with the simple beauty of blonded plywood mixed with the solidity of masonry blocks and painted plasterboard walls. The kitchen mixes black HPL coated plywood joinery, with looped LED lights and a stunning green hanging frame highlighting the space.
If this house is anything to go by Vosterman Architects, enjoy problem solving and creating homes people can fall in love with.