Grounded and Textural – Upper Watt Residence by Seear-Budd Ross

Upper Watt Residence by Seear-Budd Ross is given a new addition that seamlessly and sensitively integrates with the existing structure through the considered use of robust, anchored materiality and natural light. Embedded into the hill, the extension engages with the landscape, activates the site and increases amenity, with the materials used taking cues from the existing double-brick home.

With views overlooking Wellington Harbour in the distance, Upper Watt Residence was imagined from a modest yet ambitious brief to improve upon the existing spaces of the dwelling. By identifying a dormant ancillary zone underneath the residence and its potential for considered infill, the owners saw an opportunity to create an integrated office space and ensuite that could also potentially be used as a guest area. The embedded heightened functionality within allowed the growing family to remain in their Wellington home. Through a sensitive and considered integration of spaces, Seear-Budd Ross manoeuvres the existing conditions to craft a contained 30-square-metre addition that blurs the boundary between old and new.

Through a sensitive and considered integration of spaces, Seear-Budd Ross manoeuvres the existing conditions to craft a contained 30-square-metre addition that blurs the boundary between old and new.

Conscious of the natural surrounds and wanting to maintain a connection to place, the architects created an open home of similar form and weighted materiality to the original residence. The connected and flowing spaces spill out onto a curated landscape that sits protected from the elements and northerly winds. The original 1900s two-storey home has stood the test of time, informing the robustness needed for the new addition to endure. The use of lime-coloured double brick is used in the extension for the external walls, with some interior walls left exposed.

Together with a specialised plaster finish and an exposed concrete floor underneath, softly toned timber joinery adds an element of warmth. Despite the age of the existing home a floor above, the addition captures a more reductionist approach, with clean lines and concealed junctions throughout. The expressed shadow lines between the flooring, wall and joinery create a floating effect, further accentuating a linear style throughout. Extruding from a hill base, the native plant species that border the site create a soft buffering between public and private spaces and between built and natural elements.

Extruding from a hill base, the native plant species that border the site create a soft buffering between public and private spaces and between built and natural elements.

Defined by a distinctly warm yet soft palette, Upper Watt Residence is both a well-crafted and considered dwelling that effortlessly connects with the natural surrounds. Through a light expansion, Seear-Budd Ross ensures generous functionality is felt throughout the home whilst adopting elements of the original.