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Issue 64 - The 'Future' Issue

Issue 64

The 'Future' Issue

Habitus #64 Welcome to the HABITUS ‘Future’ and ‘Habitus House of the Year’ Issue. We are thrilled to have interior designer of excellence, Brahman Perera, as Guest Editor and to celebrate his Sri Lankan heritage through an interview with Palinda Kannangara and his extraordinary Ek Onkar project – divine! Thinking about the future, we look at the technology shaping our approach to sustainability and the ways traditional materials are enjoying a new-found place in the spotlight. Profiles on Yvonne Todd, Amy Lawrance, and Kallie Blauhorn are rounded out with projects from Studio ZAWA, SJB, Spirit Level, STUDIOLIVE, Park + Associates and a Lake House made in just 40 days by the wonderful Wutopia Lab, plus the short list for the Habitus House of the Year!

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A Product of

Between the bay and bush
HomesCaelan Kaluder

Between the bay and bush

New Zealand

Nestled on the cusp of nature overlooking Anzac Bay resides a home of simplicity and strength.


Anchored by its sharp geometry and bold parapet forms, Anzac Bay House by JDA Studio rests at the end of the suburb Ostend, on Waiheke Island, New Zealand. The house acts as a gateway between civilisation and the surrounding nature, risen by its garage and cantilevered overhang to offer privacy from the street.

A connection between the clients, builder and architect was key to building a robust home in tune with its locale. The family of five, with one canine companion, had originally hired the architect from a previous renovation. The family also recommended a friend to be the builder, James Neilson of JKN Construction and all the pieces fell into place.

Anzac Bay House, Exterior

“The main aspect of the client’s brief was that the building form was to be unobtrusive and to fit comfortably within the landscape,” says John Deuchrass, director at JDA Studio Architects. “They wanted the house to be strong in construction and appearance but not dominating as it is sited just above the bay.”

The outcome is an ingenious, practical design that complements the natural landscape. The L shaped layout rests right on the edge of the site towards the bay, and allows the home to be broken into three volumes.

“The garage and entry overhang the bedroom wing spanning the length of the site and the glazed living pavilion, which runs adjacent to the bedroom wing. This space allows views through the house from the courtyard to the bay beyond,” says John.

Anzac Bay House

Inside, the interior mimics the exterior with clean lines, and the rooms are showered in light with floor to ceiling windows. Yet the home is protected with a long external stone wall that blends the home with the landscape, and the rendered parapet top glistens a clean white.

Sustainability was at the forefront of the design with locally-sourced materials and renewables all incorporated, from rock to timber cladding. Mature trees of plum and palms were kept in place during construction and speckle the surrounding garden. Vegetable and herb gardens have also been created on-site to produce food for the occupants.

At night, warm lights shine against walls and through the glass. In its beauty and strength, the home offers a place of grounded solace for the family. Rather than clashing with nature, the home has instead become a part of the gorgeous landscape.

Anzac Bay House
Anzac Bay House
Anzac Bay House
Anzac Bay House
Anzac Bay House
Anzac Bay House
Anzac Bay House
Anzac Bay House

Project Details

Architecture and design – JDA Studio Architects
Constructor – JKN Construction
Photography – Simon Devitt

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About the Author

Caelan Kaluder

Tags

House ArchitectureJames NeilsonJDA Studio ArchitectsJKN ConstructionJohn DeuchrassnatureNew ZealandResidential Architecturesustainable design


Related Projects
Issue 64 - The 'Future' Issue

Issue 64

The 'Future' Issue

Habitus #64 Welcome to the HABITUS ‘Future’ and ‘Habitus House of the Year’ Issue. We are thrilled to have interior designer of excellence, Brahman Perera, as Guest Editor and to celebrate his Sri Lankan heritage through an interview with Palinda Kannangara and his extraordinary Ek Onkar project – divine! Thinking about the future, we look at the technology shaping our approach to sustainability and the ways traditional materials are enjoying a new-found place in the spotlight. Profiles on Yvonne Todd, Amy Lawrance, and Kallie Blauhorn are rounded out with projects from Studio ZAWA, SJB, Spirit Level, STUDIOLIVE, Park + Associates and a Lake House made in just 40 days by the wonderful Wutopia Lab, plus the short list for the Habitus House of the Year!

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