Modern Residential Design

Herbst Architects Lindale Bach Sticks and stones - Blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior, Lance and Nicola Herbst have become the masters of the simple, elegant, functional beach retreat. If they'd take the job, Lance and Nicola would be my choice for designing an eco retreat. Overview Built on an island with no mains electricity and daily ferry connections, the Lindale residence on Great Barrier Island HAD to be as energy efficient as possible. Minimal materials were freighted in and the central Gabion wall of the residence an ideal solution. Using local river stones, the wall provides a fantastic heat store and structural backbone to the build. The wall also counters the wind in covered outdoor spaces, together with a cosy fire making this retreat and so special. Prior to the build beginning, large rainwater and sewage treatment tanks were buried under the site. The cooler environment promoting less bacterial growth and leaving the relatively pure rainwater, coll...

Simon Winstanley Architects Deepstone Residence Of the earth - nestled in to the site of a former quarry, Simon Winstanley Architects have created the perfect "viewmaster" in the Solway Firth, Scotland (National Scenic Area). Overview The design meets the client's brief for a contemporary, energy efficient home which fully embraces the view and relates to the surrounding context and landscape. The light, airy first floor contrasting the solid lower level, minimising the visual impact of the house, nestling it into the site. Open plan, the predominantly glazed top floor, provides two living rooms and a wonderful central entertaining kitchen dining area. Quite how the guests will tear their eyes from the view is another issue all together. Location The site is a steeply sloping, former quarry in a National Scenic Area which slopes steeply in two directions from the quarry base which forms the only level ground access. The house is conceived as a stone plinth whic...

Tennent + Brown Architects Turn Point Lodge Great Architecture - Choppered in - Tennent + Brown Architects landed their clients lodge softly in Pelourus Sound. The cozy wood fired lofts and separate living pavilion combine in a perfect self sustained retreat. Photovoltaics, rainwater harvesting and solar concious design combine with modern chic and warehouse like solidity of the steel frame construction. The clients, two French brothers living in Singapore and Shanghai were struck by the outlook and drama of Turn Point. The block had a designated building site on the southern side overlooking Four Fathoms Bay and in the shade most of the year. Instead the clients were taken by the outlook and drama of a narrow ridge facing northwest overlooking the point and gullies full of Nikau and regenerating broadleaves, up the long reach of the Pelorus Sound. The challenge of this choice was accessibility. The site was 20m below a precipitous narrow forestry road, which itself was some 2km to t...

Fearon Hay Architects Sandhills Road House Escape to Great Barrier Island - Fearon Hay Architects have taken their minimalist luxury to Medlands once again. Hard to resist Arch Daily 's post on this hidden wonder, I'm drawn back to my youth! Derived from the classic Kiwi tarpaulin for living between two caravans, this three bedroom house has all the subtle finishes and bold clean lines for which Jeff Fearon and Tim Hay are renowned. Contrasting Fearon Hay's prized Shark Alley house further up Medlands beach, the Sandhills Road House tucks itself into the shelter of the sand dunes to the East. Both wonderfully minimal, Sandhills is more of a traditional retreat, subdued with a calming pallette. Each bedroom has its on shuttered patio and the entire house can be shuttered closed in winter. Fearon Hay's traditional polished concrete is limited to a hard wearing living/dining area that in summer, thanks to the shelter of the dunes, could easily be left wide open. The t...