Trends New Zealand Trends Volume 32 No 5 New Zealand | Page 139

and large trees. There are also two private car tunnels carved out of sandstone leading to the home’s two underground garages, while two driveways access visitor parking and the entry. The home spans four blocks of waterfront land and setting it partly into the hill required the excavation of 6500m3 of sandstone, the equivalent to three-and-a-half Olympic pools. “As well as half of it being essentially underground, the home is constructed almost entirely in slabs of high-strength compressed concrete.” It is testament to the skill of Cameron Jones that the cavernous, semi-subterranean structure blossomed into an inviting, liveable home. The close collaboration between Innovate, EB Interiors, Sammut and the engineering consultants allowed for the creation of dramatic clear span structures and cantilevers, says Jones. “This helped break down the residence’s monolithic form and allowed the interiors to flow out to the many garden and entertaining areas,” the architect says. “The contemporary, linear design is enhanced by the extensive use of natural stonework and feature zinc roofs. “The owner had many great ideas such as the use of windows looking through the excavated Above: The expansive home is formed in compressed concrete with wide clear spans. Cantilevered concrete awnings, some with skylights cut into them, soar out above the alfresco areas. The home has three lifts, and six kitchens, with some levels operating as individual apartments. Twenty-four industrial solar cells supply hot water to the bathrooms, spas, pool, and underfloor heating. search | save | share at