4 minute read
COMFORT TO DIE FOR
Shark House boasts bold, geometric angles, unlike most of the traditional boxy homes dotting the Christchurch suburban landscape.
Angular planes and crisp lines overlap and converge in a series of vanishing points that twist around the façade as if the building is forever in motion.
No surface is perpendicular to any other yet the offset faces and acute edges of seamed steel come together with engineered precision. Its dramatic design by First Light Studio draws inspiration from the clients’ love of European supercars – specifically the all-powerful Maserati. The inside plays with contrasting materials that create a warm, inviting effect – textured concrete walls embrace rich timber interiors.
Black steel accents offset different textures and colours to connect it all together seamlessly. As First Light Studios puts it: “Monochromatic city slickness plays off against the rich colour and warmth of natural materials.”
First Light Studios director, Nick Officer says, “This house is indeed a building of dualities: it’s entirely static construction of solid surfaces manage to achieve a dynamic fluidity, sculpted inside and out with hard and durable materials that look soft, tactile and malleable.” This high-end, sculptural geometry takes contemporary homes to another level – a family home anyone could sink their teeth into.
Embracing Historical Value with Modern Architecture
Stroll along St. Heliers and no doubt the endless coastal road surrounding Waitemata Harbour and breathtaking views of Rangitoto Island will have you lingering. The same happened to the owner of 349 Tamaki Drive. He spotted this historic gem, where he envisioned to revitalise and elevate its value while embracing the historical soul of the building, bringing history past the façade into today’s trophy properties.
In the growing property market of Auckland, Kiwis are not strangers to apartments anymore. In fact, apartments have become more popular for young families and professionals to get into the Auckland metropolitan lifestyle. Yet, at 349 Tamaki Drive, one can get more than just the Auckland metropolitan lifestyle, by being able to unwind at the end of a long day through the beautiful New Zealand nature with St. Heliers beachfront at its doorstep. The background of this residential building goes back to 1935, which a Californian-born architect, A. B. Crocombe built for H Jenkins Esq, using a mixture of influences from the Marseilles Tile roof, typical of the English Bungalow style (popular in the 1920s and 1930s) and a forerunner to the “State house” designs. Most notable of American influence here is demonstrated in the arched windows and vents, known as the “Spanish Mission Style”, and Auckland Boys Grammar School and Lopdell House Museum in Titirangi are also two of the best known examples of this style.
Where luxury housing market owners are still after state-of-theart housing with uncompromising living spaces overlooking expansive nature, the recent trend sees more people (whether they are owners or occupiers) placing importance on the history of the houses they reside in. In fact, by keeping the story and design elements of the house whilst renovating, owners can see the blend of old and new coming together for a better lifestyle experience.
The owner of 349 Tamaki Drive aims to embrace all the merits together by revitalising the property. A property that fits the definition of today’s luxury, while retaining the history of it. The 7 apartments provide various sizes to suit different needs from 1 to 3 bedrooms, ranging 42 sqm to 106 sqm.
We asked the architecture firm 10x10 Architecture who carried out the redesign and construction project management how they revitalized this historical building. “We retained the original architectural features by bringing attention to this delicate exterior archway, keeping existing fireplaces throughout and the early grill pattern feature details.” To create harmony between the interior
and the outside, a natural, softer colour tone was paired with the dark and colour carpeting and contemporary fixtures and fittings – bringing a modern touch and lively look. A contemporary sculpture “Rocket” by local visual artist, David McCracken, was recently installed just outside this historical building, bringing alive the idea that art can and should be enjoyed freely by the public.
Whereby an elevated lifestyle experience can be enjoyed by the young professionals who choose to live here, the owner sees potential of such trophy properties with amplified rental value after rejuvenating them. “There should be a tier of property, through the right renovation and revitilisation that transform aging properties into trophy assets – preserving history, creating value and connection, and moreover, brings a return on investment.
