New Zealand House, Building, Architect, NZ Home Pictures, Property Design Photos

Hobson Bay House, NZ

Contemporary Residence in New Zealand design by Stevens Lawson Architects

8 Oct 2007

Hobson Bay Residence

Design: Stevens Lawson Architects

Photographs: Mark Smith

Winner 2004 NZIA New Zealand Award for Architecture

This award-winning house sits majestically on a north sloping section with a dramatic outlook to Hobson Bay, in Auckland, New Zealand, adjacent to an enclave of iconic New Zealand modern houses.

The living areas, sky deck and main bedroom are located on the upper floor to take in the panoramic harbour views. The upper level functions as a semi independent apartment for the parents, while the ground floor level has two bedrooms for the teenage sons, a living area and kitchenette, as well as garaging.
A small hydraulic elevator provides for transportation of supplies to the upper level, and to future proof the home (the owners do not want to be forced to move in old age).

The upper level reads as a sculpted concrete mass hollowed-out to house the occupants and to reveal the sea view. This heavy mass sits on a lightweight base of timber and glass, creating a sense of tension and daring. The top floor overhangs the ground floor, effectively forming a verandah around the base.

The exterior is interplay of textured surfaces, giving the house an earthy handmade quality; rough concrete, smooth concrete, timber and glass are contrasted in a sculptural composition.
The interior is a calm and sensuous experience featuring soft glowing skylights, white plaster walls, and natural timber floors.

Completed 2003

Hobson Bay House images / information from Stevens Lawson Architects

Hobson Bay House design : Stevens Lawson Architects

Location: Hobson Bay, New Zealand

New Zealand Architecture

Contemporary New Zealand Buildings

New Zealand Architecture Designs – chronological list

New Zealand Architect Office

Stevens Lawson Architects – New Zealand houses featured – selection:

Headland House, Waiheke Island, New Zealand

photograph © Mark Smith
Headland House on Waiheke Island

Westmere House

photo © Mark Smith
New Zealand house design by Stevens Lawson Architects
Within the rapidly changing neighbourhood our design relates to the rhythms and scale of the historical timber clad villas with their street facing verandahs, picket fences and balustrades. While the house is large, the proportions of the frontage closely relate to the Victorian era houses in the street.