Opportunity and Craft – Generational House by Studio2 Architects

In its highly densified setting, Generational House is a proposition of opportunity, maximising views to both sides while enhancing the volumetric feel of experiencing the spaces. Studio2 Architects draws from a grown relationship with the client and expresses their connection to timber in crafted and highly detailed moments throughout.

The increased density of the residential urban fabric is a familiar tale, and through weaving in the multi-faceted needs of its occupants, Generational House turns the challenges confronted into seamingly effortless opportunities. Located in Mount Maunganui, the site sits flanked between other multi-level houses that are aimed at maximising the potential of their outlook. As a means to capture the views to both the harbour and Mount Maunganui in opposite directions, an oversized gable form takes shape on the upper level. While expanding the sense of space, the form also directs the eye up and outward toward the surrounding natural elements beyond. Studio2 Architects brings elements of the owners own business together with a welcoming and openly generous approach, to create a home suited to the multiple generations that inhabit it.

While the home opens up on its upper level to embrace the views in two opposing directions, it contrastingly also provides a sense of privacy from its neighbours on either side.

Built by Edinbridge Resources Limited, together with landscaping by Kate Patterson, Generational House is the result of an established relationship between client and architect, honed over many years and multiple projects. Having worked together previously to realise their Auckland home, the process of deciphering and interpreting the clients’ needs were made that little easier. With businesses in construction materiality and family lineage with timber furniture, it was imperative that the resulting detailing was incorporated in both a crafted and considered way. An emphasis on continued relevance was also key, ensuring the home continued to feel both appropriate and not age over the years, which sees clean lines and a simplified palette endow the various zones.

While the home opens up on its upper level to embrace the views in two opposing directions, it contrastingly also provides a sense of privacy from its neighbours on either side. The extrusion of the gable form allows framed views and gives purpose for the direction of sightlines. Non-traditionally, the home is entered from one of its sides on the lower level, and upon ascending stairs, opens out to the shared living, dining and kitchen space. Deliberately, the more passive areas for sleep, recharge and revival are all accessed separately, ensuring the experience is one made the more personalised by those that live in and visit the home.

An emphasis on continued relevance was also key, ensuring the home continued to feel both appropriate and not age over the years, which sees clean lines and a simplified palette endow the various zones.

Under a concise and clear vision, Generational House emerges as a bold yet modest statement, while suitably fitting its residential setting. Studio2 Architects has incorporated a consciousness to the materiality and mechanisms that support the everyday and, in doing so, ensure the home is both a place of true retreat and connected to its place.