Awatere Hilltop House

from Marlborough Magazine - Aug/Sept 2023

Head of the Bay

Rural Workshop Architecture

Words: Amy Russ | Grant Davis

Perched on an exposed location with extraordinary views from every angle, lies an unassuming award-winning home - Awatere Hilltop House. Modest and compact, the elevated home was described by a panel of judges as a clever and attractive design that responds strongly to the client and its environment at the New Zealand Institute of Architects Regional Awards.

The awards were delivered by a panel of three judges who described the project as ‘a simple yet strong concept of two red sheds on the edge of a hilltop that maximises the expansive sea-to-mountains views to the south, while containing a small, sheltered courtyard to the north.’ They went onto say, ‘clever internal planning optimises a tight footprint to ensure the house feels both welcoming and roomy. The overhanging corrugate roof/wall intersection removes the requirement for gutters, allowing rainwater to drip into a concealed drain and disperse naturally. The architect has carefully considered form, construction and services to ensure this house is warm and uses minimal energy.’

Winning both the Housing Architecture Award and the Resene Colour Award, judges say Rural Workshop Architecture (RWA) and their clients sought to achieve ‘Gold Standard’ with regard to thermal performance and construction. Co-founder of RWA and architect Jarrod Midgley says the building evokes a sense of warmth, calmness, sturdiness, and security. “It feels a bit like a lighthouse, solidly perched up on a very exposed location with extraordinary views. It also evokes the simple and unpretentious, timeless shedlike form of rural New Zealand - including the soft red colouring of the old barns about the region.”

The overseas clients had previously lived in warmer and calmer climates, so comfort was an important element when considering the architectural design. Having just immigrated from Singapore and spending most of their lives living in apartments with consistently balmy outside temperatures - there were two main requirements, budget and a high performing energy-efficient building “We designed this house twice,” says Jarrod. “The first was an engineering marvel that cantilevered off the terrace edge. We then weighed up the very exposed nature of the site and the fact that our clients on their second visit seemed cold when everyone else was in shorts – and so turned all our attention on creating a warm and cosy small and simple house. We used the very best window and door joinery on the market, but sparingly, for example we incorporated a few sets of French doors rather than the usual large sliders. Our delightful clients would have to be the highlight of the project for us, but our biggest challenge was importing the Swedish red barn paint, from Sweden via Wales.”

RWA worked closely with George Guthrie Construction (GGC) to deliver a two-bedroom home to their clients that performs to the highest standard. Co-owner of GGC, Kate Guthrie says it is always a pleasure to collaborate with the team. “RWA allow us to stay updated with the latest architectural trends, materials, and construction techniques, creating unique and aesthetically pleasing buildings. The client trusted RWA and GGC to produce a build of a high standard and meet their brief. With working alongside Jarrod on many projects this was comfortably achieved.”

Winning a number of awards over the years, Jarrod says accolades like these mean a lot to the team. “We find even the process of photographing and writing a few words to enter the awards a great way to roundoff the whole process of designing and building. It is a process that usually represents a couple of years in the making, from the first scribbles to the excitement of move-in day. Entering the awards is also a really nice way to share our pride with our clients and builders - and to get the final little jobs done!”

Looking to the future, RWA will continue to deliver high-quality projects to their clients. “We perhaps may expand our work family a little bit and continue to work with some incredible clients in some of the most beautiful parts of the country.” rwaltd.co.nz