First Light Studio: Having previously lived in a large country property in Greytown, the clients’ vision was to downsize into a smaller home that was warmer, drier and easier to maintain, while still providing a comfortable and inviting space for extended family to visit. As a home designed for life, the dwelling needed to be energy efficient, low maintenance, wheelchair accessible and comfortable year-round. Its efficient floor plan features an open-plan living and dining space, four good-sized bedrooms and a separate office.
The ground floor is a perfect square with large vaulted ceilings above. Upstairs, 3 guest bedrooms and a bathroom each form the point of a cross with a central feature stair providing efficient circulation. A verandah completely wraps the building on the outside to provide shading and outdoor living space. The form is a modern interpretation of a Dorma window, bringing a country aesthetic to this very modern home. The site is a rural section outside of Greytown which was subdivided for the project, bounded on 3 sides by farmland with an apple orchard to the west and a row of large macrocarpa trees to the south.
The design prioritises the local climate and vernacular, with material choices that reflect this. The dwelling was positioned to maintain existing, established walnut trees and maximise level open space for the keen gardening interests of the clients. 360-degree views from the first floor showcase the Taurarua’s to the west. Although currently a rural outlook, it is likely that further subdivision will urbanise the area as Greytown grows, so privacy and access were prioritised as an important consideration for the future.
