Modern, Contemporary Architecture, Auckland and beyond
Its interesting to reflect on contemporary architecture completed in Auckland and surrounding holiday destinations.
It does seem to divide into different types of projects. Initially when starting my Auckland office in !995, we completed a number of early modern townhouse and apartment projects. Several in Parnell and Newmarket, often creating dual key or multi key options as I have always been interested in flexibility of living arrangements rather than solely limited to the nuclear family.
These were typically 25-35 units in scale. Three storeys typically if townhouses. We pioneered acoustic improvements for timber framed townhouses to reduce flanking noise transfer and worked with Gibs Acoustic engineer for what became part of their standardised solutions. Our Parnell Rd 10 townhouse development pioneered the cavity system which later became embodied into E2 Building Code.
The larger developments are located in Cleveland Rd, Birdwood Crescent and Parnell Rd, Parnell and George Street, Newmarket. Post the Leaky Home fiasco, we changed to concrete construction as the risks became too high and typically out of our control if not fully engaged. These projects lead to large scale hotel, terraced apartments, dual key townhouses and apartment projects in Queenstown and Arthurs Point.
Commonly I always tried to create some common areas to enjoy or bump into neighbours to create a healthy community. These might be tennis courts, pool or gym, or even just some garden space or seat. Increasingly bike and storage sheds and recycle areas are increasingly important. Energy efficient, low running cost buildings where the whole of life costs are considered have become increasingly in focus.
Holiday houses are always an opportunity to explore the creation of a home that embodies your spirit of holiday. That can mean different things for different people but is frequently a casual gathering space, a modern bach or tent, though often needing to accommodate multiple generations for a short period of time. They can be novel, light and embody fun. Homes in Pauanui and Omaha have stood the test of time and express this lifestyle.
Two homes in Greytown and Aranga Beach similarly embody this spirit. Grander Holiday houses in Queenstown, Jacks Point, Millbrook, Arrowtown, Bendemeer and Wanaka are more holiday homes, obviously catering for a colder climate.
Recently we have found a trend to revisit and enhance outdoor spaces in Remuera, Albany and Grey Lynn. But also in Glenorchy and Queenstown. Pool entertainment areas, with spas, outdoor kitchens, outdoor or covered dining space with indoor or outdoor fires have become a considerable focus. These have had conservatories added and have become the new living spaces for the house. They typically offer a transitional space between indoors and full outdoors with pergolas or poolhouses etc.
Its almost a post covid realisation that we can entertain at home and not need that overseas holiday to escape the rains.
All of this comes together in renovation work to existing housing which is often in the best locations. There its fun to play with the traditional styles of villas, bungalows or 60’s or 70’s housing and blend with modern. Often working as a kit of parts as Jeremy Salmond described. The combinations are infinite and the fun of translating these in detail as well as overall spaces, is an architects dream.