UNO.

ARCHITECTURE

UNO. ARCHITECTURE

LAKE HOUSE
THE ARCHITECTURE of THIs ConfIdEnTly ConTEmpoRARy HomE REfEREnCEs RURAl foRms And oUR CAmpIng CUlTURE.
WORDS lIZ fREnCH / PHOTOS KJEll nIlsson 66

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It must be an architects dream to get an open brief, if not necessarily accompanied by an open budget. But when the client is two charities (Bethlehem foundation and new Zeal) aiming to raise funds from the sale of the property the assignment carries with it a clear responsibility to create a home that will generate interest in the market, and be affordable enough to be realistically sellable. Registered Architect Jorgen frandsen and architectural graduate nick Chibnall-West of Ambienti Team Architects took all this on board when they accepted the challenge. It was obvious we needed to design a functional family home that maximised the fantastic site, said nick. The position is indeed stunning. perched high on the hill it overlooks the huge (eight hectares) lake for which the residential subdivision is named. The lakes developers have invested millions in creating an environment that is gorgeous to look at and great to live in. The site looks over a stand of gum trees, across sparkling lake water, and takes in much of the landscaping developed in tune with the geological significance of the area. The lakes lives up to its mantra

live where you play and play where you live with 20 kilometres of cycling and walking tracks, the fresh water lake for kayaking, paddle boarding, playing about in small boats, a professional orienteering course, playground, parks and reserves. There will soon be a shopping centre. All this just eight minutes from Taurangas CBd via the expressway.

sHEds And TEnTs

With such a lot to live up to Ambienti Team Architects deliberately kept it simple, deceivingly simple. They took their initial inspiration from the Californian sea Ranch mimicking the way it interacts with the nature in which it sits. The sea Ranch is a large complex now but its original buildings were based on existing sheep sheds - in scale, materials and feel, Jorgen explained. The master planner, renowned landscape architect lawrence Halprin, wrote numerous books on the project and processes behind the sea Ranch. Ambienti

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also had the shed vernacular prevalent in rural new Zealand as a reference point. We designed the dwelling to resemble a series of sheds with columns like tent poles extending each end, said nick. move far enough away to view the entire side on profile of the home and you can see exactly that. A column one end holds up the entrance overhang, two at the other a large roof shading part of the deck. (They serve another purpose too concealing the downpipes.) peep in the round window set in the front door and you can see right through the house to a tantalising glimpse of view. This creates an axis from which the home appears to divide itself quite naturally, by the art of good architecture, into living areas and sleeping zones, into places for gathering and areas of retreat. The axis is wide and generous and steps through two levels of a home which optimises the gentle contour of the site. The axis is integral to large relaxed open plan living. The kitchen wraps the rear corner effectively, allowing plenty of bench space under the windows, with an island to keep it sociably connected to casual dining one side and living to the front where huge stackers deliver seamless relationship with the deck. And because the wide expanse of deck is low to the ground it required no balustrade, nothing to mar that glorious outlook. formal dining is catered for in the large alcove just above the main living. However it has been designed to also lend itself to alternative use as a library style nook where the sun streams in deep windows. We designed the house to follow the sun, said the architects. Amply proven on entering one evening after a chilly sunny day to be enveloped in warmth. Had the heat pumps been on? no. it was simply solar heat captured and contained by exceptional insulation and double glazing. linked to open plan living but with a nice sense of separation, the

formal lounge shares the view and has a repeat of the stackers, so the entire front of the home can be opened up. The master suite folds itself into a private corner with a door directly outside. High windows above the bed and in the en suite bathroom are electrically operated.

InsIdE oUT
A wing off the entrance and on the upper level accommodates family bedrooms, bathroom, optional office, and storage. Two bedrooms open (more big stackers) out to an ingenious central sheltered deck accessed also from the axis. This is the area which puts the space between kids and adults domains. This is where young children can play while parents inside keep an eye on them. This is the obvious place for the barbeque and outdoor table, thus keeping the front deck clear for contemplating the view and watching the sun set over the Kaimai Ranges. The cedar (stained Resene driftwood) and plaster over block home with Coloursteel roofing and commercial grade aluminium joinery was built by Belvedere Construction. The home has hard flooring in heavy traffic areas, warm wool carpet where you want more luxury. Interiors by Auckland based international designer, Jen pack, create a backdrop of muted neutrals in naturals where you live and soft sea blue tones in the master suite; a suggestion of green in the other bedrooms. In every aspect this is a home that captures the essence of its landscape, fluid with nature in its texture and colours. It may have started with thoughts of sheds and tents but the end result is a world away though the gentle hints remain. The fortunate first owners will be very happy campers indeed!

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UNO. ARCHITECTURE
BELVEDERE CONSTRUCTION 48 Burrows Street, Tauranga / P 07 579 0109 www.belvedereconstruction.co.nz
Belvedere was part of the design & build team and they worked closely with Ambienti Architects to deliver this splendid, easily maintained, open plan house which works superbly on the elevated sloping section with magnificent panoramic views. The quality, the practicality, and feel of the finished home is something they are extremely proud to have been associated with.

Delivering luxury & comfort

TILING IMAGE P 021 549 888 / tilingimage@xtra.co.nz

Established in 1999, Tiling Image is locally owned and operated. They pride themselves with quality workmanship and reliable professional service, and are a Certified Waterproofing Applicator. Tiling Image can help you with any new or existing projects, no job is too big or too small, and they offer a free measure and quote service for floors, walls, repairs and renovations.

HK KITCHENS 35 Koromiko Street, Tauranga / P 07 578 6361 www.heirloomkitchens.co.nz

HK Kitchens design and build kitchens to suit your style and space. from low budget hearty faire kitchens to top of the range haute cuisine kitchens for designer homes, HK Kitchens are all about delivering quality kitchens when you need them. Their great reputation has been developed through the skills and commitment of their design, joinery and management teams.

SUPREME LOCK & HARDWARE 120 Birch Avenue, Tauranga / P 07 578 9425 / www.supremelock.co.nz
supreme lock & Hardware have been experts in Residential & Commercial door Hardware since 1984. Their experience and service in the industry is well known and they are always there to assist and give sound door hardware advice. Because they only supply door hardware, they are able to stock a huge range to cater for all budgets.

Welcome to a whole new way of dreaming

The exclusive Beautyrest Black bed has been handcrafted to the highest detail to produce the worlds nest and most luxurious Beautyrest. With hundreds of crystals from Swarovski Elements and fabrics sourced from around the world the aesthetics of the Beautyrest Black bed turn the ultimate sleep solution into a timeless fashion statement.

GREIG & ESTERMAN FLOORING XTRA 25 Koromiko Street, Tauranga / P 07 577 1009 / www.gechch.co.nz
When you go into a flooring Xtra store talk about your flooring requirements, you can be assured youre talking to people who know their stuff. Their people run their own stores, and theyve been doing it for years. This means they have got more combined experience than any other flooring retailer in the country! give them a call or visit their web site for their latest catalogue.

www.beautyrestblack.co.nz

MT MAUNGANUIS HOME OF BEDDING

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2-10 Owens Place, opposite Bayfair, Mt Maunganui. (07) 572 7200

MT MAUNGANUI

213387_MTM