: : Orkney

A densely suburban area in Mount Maunganui presented a section with a sharp two metre drop mid-site. This ground condition gave rise to four separate half levels housed within two distinct sculptural forms. At the fulcrum these forms are articulated by a gentle stairway. The space between the two functional areas, framed by the stair, form the courtyard areas and provide an interface, between public and private spaces.

The Eastern form houses the garage and the public spaces while the Western form accommodates the private spaces.

The ground level disengages with the imminent sub-urban condition with the entry being a study in secrecy. This secrecy plays itself out with the garage, front door and adjacent walls all being ‘flush-clad’ in horizontal stained cedar weatherboards.

The manipulation of privacy was a key factor in the development of the project resulting in areas that, while cannot be thought of as strictly private, place the occupier in a position of strength. This is especially notable in the living area that overlooks the public beach access walkway.

From the entry driveway the clean white structures evoke the prows of two ocean vessels vying for the attention of the ‘Mount’.

: : Orkney

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