On a site that already contained existing buildings, Modello was tasked with constructing a new house incorporating and recycling the existing garage-studio, while maintaining the cottage for separate rental accommodation.
The site bounds the Waipu River estuary and has views over towards Bream Bay and Bream Head, with mature pohutukawa trees forming its eastern boundary.
To the south there are views to a Maori pa site that forms the boundary of the property. It was also considered necessary to maintain the neighbour’s views of Mt Manaia.
Forms and materials were chosen to reflect the landscape and former use of the site in the 19th century as a boatyard. References have also been drawn from simple agricultural buildings nearby.
Modello Architecture is an architectural practice based in the Northland region, servicing clients from Auckland through to the top of the North Island, and occasionally further afield.
Located in the beautiful surrounds of the Northland coast, Modello has experience across all forms of architecture including residential, commercial, and industrial. From house extensions, to retail renovations, apartment design to complete new builds, Modello provides an architectural service for all types of buildings.
The work of Modello is informed by a number of contexts. These contexts are derived from a number of factors the most important of which is place – the site, landscape and history rather than a design driven by architectural style.
Trevor Murray is an architect with over 30 years experience across a full range of building types.
He has lived and worked both in New Zealand and overseas and project work includes residential, commercial, industrial and community projects. He has considerable experience in the production of contract documentation, and the project management and observation of building contracts.
His work involves a thorough investigation of all those environmental factors that will drive the design in terms of sun, wind, shelter and other landscape factors whether these be in a rural or urban environment.