A Defined Addition – Earles House by Jose Gutierrez

Extending the life of a heritage home, Earles House is restored and extended to create a modern residence. Jose Gutierrez proposes a reshaping of the outer form, allowing the structure to feel connected to its site and surrounding environment.

Earles House is a celebration of each of its iterations – the new additions aim to extend the home’s original charm whilst affording a modern sensibility. Located in Grey Lynn, Auckland, the detailed and historical home sits comfortably in place, surrounded by other similar era structures. In adding to the existing form, the owners wanted to create a series of connected and flowing zones that accommodated the fluctuations of family life. Whilst the original bungalow-style home offered generous internal proportions, Jose Gutierrez opened the interior rooms to funnel activity into the newly sculpted family zones.

Earles House is a celebration of each of its iterations – the new additions aim to extend the home’s original charm whilst affording a modern sensibility.

A light, contemporary formation, the addition sits as a sculptural structure. Providing additional parking and storage and expanding the existing living and entertaining areas, the white metal-sheeted forms appear as rectilinear geometries. Offering a break in the rhythm of the streetscape, the addition conveys a commitment to craft with a playful resolve. The overall palette connects to the traditional materiality of the area whilst refreshing the home and bringing it into a contemporary context.

Endeavouring to make a small environmental impact, the elevated forms are clad in a certified PEFC products sourced from sustainable forests. The forms open to encourage incoming natural cooling and ventilation throughout the year, whilst large glazing and the forms’ orientation absorb natural solar gains. Throughout the home, skylights bring natural light down into the residence. Furthermore, the pool’s clever integration animates the home through activity and water reflections.

In adding to the existing form, the owners wanted to create a series of connected and flowing zones that accommodated the fluctuations of family life.

Whilst the home’s original façade is maintained, Earles House is expanded to embed a contemporary sensibility throughout. In extending the heritage residence, Jose Gutierrez combines innovation with the playful spirit of family life.