Te Awa Lane 

Located on the edge of the Waikato River, this rural site offered a generous building platform surrounded by picturesque outlooks.   Without the site constraints that often inform a design, the concept instead responded to opportunities to frame specific views and the need to create a variety of defined outdoor spaces.  The accessibility of the space around the building platform also meant that the house would be viewed from all directions and therefore the composition of every face needed equal consideration.

Date
2012

Location
Hamilton, Waikato

"Strong, simple gable forms anchor this house on its greenfield, riverside house. The Hinuera stone cladding accentuates the solidity of the house, which is shaped to provide sheltered outdoor areas and designed to offer framed views to the grounds and the river. The attention accorded to materials has also been applied to climate control, and the result is a comfortable, modern country home."

- NZIA Waikato / Bay of Plenty Jury

The form of the house primarily consists of two extruded gables which change direction and veer away as they are about to meet.  An entry axis links these two forms and on arrival offers visitors a glimpse through the house to the garden beyond.  The long sides of these elements wrap around and embrace sheltered outdoor areas while their gable ends project into the landscape. 

Internally the first of the two forms contain smaller spaces such as bedrooms and bathrooms, while the second more open space accommodates living, kitchen and dining areas.  Individual areas within this second larger volume are defined by joinery units and the change of direction in plan. 

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