Point Chevalier is now well and truly in the ranks of Auckland’s real estate top dogs, so it is not surprising that any site in the beachside suburb is worth building on, even if, like this one, it has an overland flow path running across it. Overland flow paths are the routes taken by stormwater on its way to streams, the stormwater network or the sea when the existing natural or man-made drainage network is overloaded.

Passionate about gardening, but happy with a lack of lawn, the owners of this home were interested in a tropical aesthetic, where the outdoor areas are equally as important as the house itself. They also wanted their new home, which is closely surrounded by neighbouring properties, to have a high level of privacy.

The request for a tropical look was a boon for Hilary Scully and Carolyn Smith of Architecture Smith & Scully, as it meant they could address the flow path issue by creating a suspended concrete floor, with access around the sides of the house achieved via timber boardwalks. With tropical planting coming through from below, these boardwalks give the house a resort feel, while also allowing access to the all-important outdoor areas.

“By raising the floor off the ground, we brought it above the flow path, but we also had to be wary of the height-to-boundary controls in this inner-city suburb. Past the flow path in the centre of the site, the lower floor steps down to a ground-level pavilion that contains the open-plan kitchen, dining and living. We were then able to use a higher stud in the pavilion,” says Scully.

There are three decks surrounding this home. The east deck opens from the kitchen and soaks up the morning sun. With bamboo planting along the fence line, this area is private and serene. The front deck opens off the pavilion through stacking sliding doors, essentially doubling the size of this living space. However, it is the west deck that creates a true statement and ties the design of this house together. 

Opening from both the guest bedroom and the rear of the living pavilion, a large Mondrian-style window frames the floating, black walnut staircase within. Below this, an in-built bench seat, with LED lights for after-dark atmosphere, creates an L-shaped nook. Above, the soffit is exaggerated and flicked upwards, adding depth to the frame around the window. 

The Mondrian motif is carried through to the fireplace wall in the living room, with built-in shelving of different sizes. The red-glass entry door and kitchen splashback, a direct request from the owners, also add to this aesthetic.

“The large-slab irregular concrete pavers that lead to the front door create some contrast with the driveway and also echo the boardwalk around the sides of the house. Lit from below, this pathway seems to hover above the planting. 

“In terms of materials, the western red cedar is the star of this house; its warm hues are juxtaposed against the black boxes of the pavilion and garage,” says Scully.

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Note: These are stories from our archives and, since the time of writing, some details may have changed including names, personnel of specific firms, registration status, etc.