Karaka Bay Property, Glendowie Residential Building, New Zealand Home, Architect, Photographs

Karaka Bay House : Glendowie Property

Contemporary New Zealand Residence – design by Stevens Lawson Architects

24 Aug 2011

Karaka Bay House

Location: Glendowie, NZ

Design: Stevens Lawson Architects

Photos © Mark Smith

Karaka Bay House, Glendowie, Auckland, New Zealand

The house is located on the edge of a cliff overlooking Browns Island in the Waitemata Harbour. The clients had lived on the site for thirty five years in a deteriorating timber house and were keen to build a new home to live in for the rest of their lives.

The design is composed of a collection of interlocking concrete box forms of varying proportions which create a rich variety of interior spaces. A double-height central spine anchors the composition and leads the visitor from land to sea.

The stepped cross-section allows natural light to penetrate deep into the house throughout the day. A grand timber-lined spiral staircase connects the three levels vertically, with bedrooms located on upper level, living areas on the mid level and a guest room on the lower level. A ribbon of timber weaves through the house as a sculptural counterpoint to the rectilinear concrete structure.

Skylights are placed for dramatic effect and windows are carefully located to frame specific views. The textured cast concrete exterior is contrasted with the smooth ground concrete walls of the interior. The atmosphere of the house results from an interplay between austerity and sensuality.

photos © Mark Smith

Karaka Bay house, in Glendowie, by Stevens Lawson Architects, produced surprises, including a “beautifully crafted circular staircase” and unexpected sea views.

There is more to this house than the initial approach suggests. The intimidating first view of heavily textured, precast concrete boxes disappears once the front door is opened.

Inside, the house is split by a double height, central corridor that offers an unexpected view to the sea beyond.

Carefully composed timber panelling provides a welcome warmth and contrasts with the concrete construction throughout. Rooms are nicely proportioned to create intimate spaces; the beautifully crafted circular staircase is a hidden gem. Although monumental in construction, the house feels light due to the skilful arrangement of openings.

photos © Mark Smith

The design of this Glendowie house was celebrated in the 2010 Auckland Architecture Awards.

The Auckland Architecture Awards programme, organised and run by the New Zealand Institute of Architects, attracted a high number of entries, with 120 submissions.

photo © Mark Smith