CM BRIGGS BUILDER

​The clients brief to the architect was to design a family forever home but not in the traditional way.  With nearly-adult kids living away from home, with other family and friends from New Zealand coming to visit for frequently extended stays, the space for “kids” needed to allow for not just their generation but the next, with separate living, kitchen and laundry spaces.

 

The owners also wanted to feel cosy in their own smaller “apartment style” living spaces when they were present without the larger family group. Important practically was a house where they could “age in place” and have the facilities to be mobile in their home whatever their needs, and allow for home based care if required for periods.

 

The site allowed for views of the neighbouring reserve green spaces, as well as a broad vista to the locality and sea. Having lived on the site as a holiday home for almost 10 years prior, the holiday vibe of the property was expanded to include a resort-like landscaped interior, entirely private on the corner section, accessible and connected from both houses to enjoy relaxing and entertaining.

 

It was important to have the house “nestle” into the corner site, and feel at home with the surrounding properties in such a prominent location. The site was excavated at the rear to allow for a flat platform and most suitable height positioning.

 

Important in the design was the use of natural materials, particularly wood, and the use of concrete blocks and concrete floors which was a loved features of previous properties of the owners. The interior of the “kids house” living space with the ply walls feels almost cabin like, a nod to a “beach shack” feel….”

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