Ngaio House

NZIA Wellington Architecture Award 2008

“Assured detailing demonstrates that contemporary materials and themes can complement and enhance existing structures in these additions and alterations to an Arts and Crafts style family home.” NZIA Awards Jury, 2008

The brief for this house alteration was to realise the full potential of the old house while retaining the essence and character of an individual family home.

The key to unlocking this potential was a 21-metre long glazed gallery, inserted between three existing buildings. Along with a new entry court, this insertion has transformed the once residual spaces into a clearly defined and dramatic link through the house. It also provides an emphatic yet refined sense of entry.

New and separate guest accommodation, work spaces, and complete remodelling of the existing house with new facilities for the family have all been provided.

A palette of polished concrete, zinc, and clear finished compressed sheet and timber provide crisp definition of the gallery and new contemporary insertions.