Peaked Transitions – E Type House by RTA Studio

Born from an observational response to context, E Type House disassembles the traditional home formation and offers an alternative reconfiguration. RTA Studio assembles a series of three pavilions across a sloping site to balance areas of retreat and togetherness.

Located in the central suburb of Grey Lynn in Auckland, E Type House absorbs its surrounds, proposing a formal addition that engages in a conversation of both past and present. On reflection, a clear pattern emerges among the site’s forms; groups of three or more homes were added over the years by the same builder, bound together in their own micro-communities and a commonality in form, style and materiality. As a nod to this arrangement, RTA Studio proposes a more contemporary iteration of the timber wrapped form, retaining the high-pitched peaks of its predecessors. Instead of presenting as a cluster of homes, three separate pavilions now come together as one delineated structure.

A focus on the natural is expressed further through the materiality, with the use of timber connecting the forms with the surrounding and existing homes.

Among the surrounding steep slopes, houses dot the undulating terrain in a variety of ways, immersed within densely landscaped streets. Whilst the pavilion forms of E Type House sit deliberately separated, they join by way of a connecting corridor thoroughfare. The natural fall of the site provides the location of platforms for each stepped transition and for various breakups of the internal planning. Despite the contemporary nature of the home, the aim was to steer away from creating three open void spaces; instead, the designers wanted to reflect a clear functionality and allow for separation and hierarchy for its owners within.

Courtyard spaces break up the forms, providing a relief from the built elements and bringing a more outward connection to the landscape throughout the home. A focus on the natural is expressed further through the materiality, with the use of timber connecting the forms with the surrounding and existing homes. Each pavilion is spread over two levels, with its segments coming together in a bespoke way that reflects its owners. Known for disassembling traditional approaches, RTA Studio overlays an experimental spirit in how each element comes together.

Known for disassembling traditional approaches, RTA Studio overlays an experimental spirit in how each element comes together.

Through its unique and linear approach, E Type House allows for both passive areas of solitude and focus whilst also facilitating its family coming together. As a potential solution to the narrow sites of Grey Lynn, RTA Studio proposes an almost modular approach, customisable to the terrain and its occupants.