For over 60 years, Pacific Environments NZ Ltd has been dedicated to creating places that people love to live in.
Director Clive Chapman and his family have lived in Ponsonby and Grey Lynn for almost 25 years. Moving into Ponsonby proper in 2007, they bought a rundown house on a back section and moved in. Loving the site and the area, Clive and the team imagined what they could create on this site – it took until 2017 before plans for the new house were complete and construction was completed for them to move back in for 2020.
The nature of these rear sites, in Ponsonby, were historically for business premises which meant that buildings would have commonly been tin sheds. The generic architectural form of the building, with a pitched roof, vertical cladding, concrete base and steel details fit with this industrial aesthetic.
The materials were limited to a restrained palette of concrete, steel and timber. We were very interested in all materials being left exposed and in as natural a state as possible. The steel frame is constructed within the external walls. It has been left as a separate element with all its fixings accentuated and painted black. The lower-floor walls are board-impressed, poured in-situ concrete. These were sealed, but otherwise the rough industrial finish is left exposed both inside and out to allow Clive and his family to appreciate its tactile nature. The lower level has ground concrete floors and the ceiling is covered with bespoke acoustic ceilings which feature a block pattern inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.
The family is lucky enough to have an exceptionally large back yard and the building is designed to allow the whole of the main floor to be able to be opened to the outside. Sustainably, the house features concrete mass as a heat sink, is naturally ventilated, designed to reuse portions of the original 1950’s house, stores and reuses rainwater and features solar panels with battery back-up.
In 2022, this house was awarded a Highly Commended in the Tida New Zealand Home Awards.
Whether you are looking at a renovation project, or weighing up the options for a new build, we can help. Pacific Environments NZ Ltd understands that every site presents a unique set of challenges, and every building has the potential to be great. Our multi-disciplinary studio will maximise your value – from concept to construction, resource and building consent documentation to interior design, our team of award- winning architects and interior designers can help bring your vision to reality.
Offering a no obligation consultation, give our team a call today on T: 09 308 0070, and visit our portfolio www.pacificenvironments.co.nz