PAREMATA ADDITION

The clients were a young couple with one child. They required a home that would meet both their immediate needs and the future needs of a growing family.

Brief:

The brief was to create a contemporary family home. The home would need to be functional and flexible both immediately and in the future.

The family required a larger integrated living and dining space which was to have a direct connection with the kitchen area. These spaces should provide a simple understated backdrop for the activity's taking place within and the views to the Paremata inlet beyond.

A new master bedroom, en-suite and robe along with a connected study area were a requirement, and if possible, were to be located away from children's bedrooms and public areas. A larger laundry was also required. All alterations and additions were to integrate completely providing a seamless interior flow between the older parts of the home and the new.

Concept:

The existing house was built in the 1950's. Since that time it has evolved and adapted to accommodate it's various occupants, each alteration adding a new dimension to the original model. Interior features were reminiscent of a 70's refurbishment with faux brick archways, a spilt level lounge area and dated kitchen.

The compartmentalised spatial layout of the rooms restricted functionality and flexibility for a growing family. The resulting concept design was sympathetic to the historical life of the existing building.

A conscious decision was made to continue along the same lines of the home's past development with the new areas designed to relate to the forms and lines of the original house whilst using modern materials to add a contemporary component to the evolution of the building. The spatial planning concentrated on creating functional spaces, providing seamless flow from old to new, interior to exterior and maximising the views to the Paremata inlet.

The concept also allowed for an increase in the penetration of natural light to all areas whilst still maintaining a private and comfortable living environment for the family. The challenge of complying with district planning rules to avoid a Resource Consent application combined with meeting the client brief required very careful planning and a detailed concept to ensure that all rules were adhered to. The split level and brick arches between the existing lounge, dining and kitchen areas were creating a physical barrier and consequently removed.

A larger living area was created by extending the existing ground floor lounge out into the rear garden. An expansive deck was constructed to provide a transitional connection between the internal living spaces and the garden area. The first floor alterations included a new master bedroom with walk-inrobe and en-suite along with the provision of a generous study area. The location of these rooms on the first floor allowed for complete separation from the children's rooms, living areas, service areas and public spaces located below.

Completion:

The clients are pleased with their revamped residence. The design has successfully addressed the objectives of the initial brief as well as enhancing and improving the overall functionality of the home. Careful planning with regards to the building's relationship to the site has allowed room for the house to continue it's evolution if required in the future.