Nestled along a bustling main arterial road, this remarkable property stands as a testament to thoughtful design and innovative architecture. Confronted by towering neighbors to the North and South, this narrow site demanded a strategic approach that would preserve privacy within the house, all the while basking in abundant sunlight from the North, taking in valley views to the West, and gazing toward Maungawhau to the East. In the face of these challenges, concrete and steel rise to form a robust façade against the bustling Mount Eden Road. Yet, within the fabric of the home, a delicate balance emerges. Solid and void intersect, crafting moments of introspection, harmonizing with framed openings that offer glimpses of the surroundings, seamlessly bridging the gap between the immediate site and the broader neighborhood.
Upon entering, a covered courtyard beckons—a transitional space that gracefully blurs the line between public and private. Here, an indoor garden thrives, nurtured by bandsawn Lawson Cypress and adorned with native plants, including a living herb wall.
This oasis extends its embrace, encompassing the dining and kitchen areas, where the courtyard’s glazed roof bathes the southern portion of the residence in natural light.
Above, the architectural narrative unfolds, as double-height spaces grace the living and kitchen domains, leading the eye to a timber cradle that hosts the first-floor bedrooms and bathroom. This elevated arrangement magnifies the verticality bestowed by the grand gable roof, creating an ambiance of openness and possibility.
Harnessing the inherent attributes of the site, the expansive northern face of the gable roof has been harnessed to accommodate an array of Photovoltaic panels—an emblem of sustainability that converts sunlight into energy, propelling the dwelling toward the status of a potential Net Zero Energy oasis. To the South, a collection of water tanks stands as a testament to resourcefulness, capturing rainwater for both interior use and nurturing the vibrant gardens.
Innovation meets comfort within these walls, where a double-layer wrap system joins forces with high levels of insulation, cocooning the interiors in warmth during the winter and providing respite from the heat of summer.
Further enhancing this equilibrium, an adjacent pool offers a natural form of passive cooling, embracing the living area during the warmer months.
This residence is a triumph of modern living, where every detail has been meticulously curated to craft an oasis that is as functional as it is beautiful.
With its juxtaposition of solid and void, its strategic openings that capture views while safeguarding privacy, and its commitment to sustainable living, this property stands as an exemplar of architectural excellence. It’s a declaration that within the constraints of a narrow site, innovation and design can flourish, creating a sanctuary that embodies the essence of modern luxury.