Hobson Bay House

by Julian Gutherie Architecture

The requirement was for a large new family home with generous living spaces maximising connection to the exterior and views over Auckland harbour. To create connection to the terraces, pool and gardens, the living areas were all placed one level below street entry level. Entrance is a sequence of reveals and descents into the home.

The house was inspired by the harbour edge war bunkers in Auckland, dug in to the cliff while open to the sea. In situ and precast concrete was used to create a monastic simplicity, with textural contract between structures rising from the ground against walls sitting above. The building is a built contradiction in terms, at once seemingly impenetrable and massive, and yet dissolving into the expansive horizon. Concrete is cast on timber providing grain and patina. Natural stone, raw brass, timber and steel provide material balance.