Trends New Zealand Trends Volume 32 No 4 New Zealand | Page 21

pohutakawa root, we designed the home
as two cantilevered forms, loosely forming a t-shape, with a solid concrete core
or base,” he says. “The idea was the house
would have a clean-lined, sculptural presence of its own while the cedar cladding
– particularly as it silvers – would connect
with the trees all around.”
It is the walls of the simple, elongated
wings that hold the secret to the extreme
cantilevers that stretch out to the views.
“Even with a solid concrete base as an
anchor there is no way these forms could

maintain stability by a simple base frame.
Instead both structures are fully supported
by a steel latticework structure running
through the walls – much like that seen on
an exposed metal lattice bridge.”
In terms of aesthetics, the cedar panel
used for the cladding was specified in 3m
lengths, meaning there are no breaks in
the finish on any single facade. While the
cedar connects with the trees for a relaxed
look, O’Neil finished the windows in
black to add definition and sharpness to
the design – so it will never look dated.

These pages: The home’s sheltered external
entry has two concrete panels which help avoid a
vertiginous feeling on the stairs and echo the base
material. The inclusion of an elevator as a second
entry point future-proofs the house for its owners.
The master suite is to the right, where the wing
cantilevers in two directions. With end sliding
doors pulled back, the bedrooms on the end of
both wings become sheltered outdoor spaces,
hence the shallow-set glass balustrades.

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