We’re hopping on the plane and jetting off for another design trip, but this time a little closer to home – New Zealand!
We’re heading over to Queenstown in New Zealand for the annual NKBA Conference, where Darren will be on the judging panel of this years design awards! We’ll also be taking part in a series of presentations at the conference and couldn’t be more excited!
The kid’s are also coming along for the ride and we can’t wait to show them all the beautiful designs and natural environments NZ has to offer. So in honour of our strong love for NZ Architecture + Design we wanted to share some of our current faves!
Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington
Design by Material Creative Ltd / Located in Wellington
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‘A thought provoking and immersive environment that is whimsical and a clear example of design, art curation and visitor experience executed to absolute perfection.’ – Judges comments from the Designers Institute of New Zealand Hospitality Awards in 2021.
This iconic heritage landmark in the heart of Cuba St in Wellington has been transformed from a 116 room property into a visual feast for the senses, enthralling guests with eclectic spaces inspired from seafaring, the literary world, and a story of whimsical love!
Ghost Street Restaurants
Design by Cheshire Architects / Located in Auckland
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Ghost Street is a Chinese restaurant that plays with shadow and form, shaping its concept from hand crafted calligraphy, bespoke cabinetry and relics that line the walls. Sitting in the heart of Britomart in Auckland, the international feeling of this project sells the narrative of a beautifully crafted authentic Chinese heritage, sensual and rich. Whilst also well considered in terms of lighting, materiality and flooring which have all been cohesively designed.
Onslow
Design by Knight Associates Ltd + Sonja Hawkins Design / Located in Auckland
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Located on the entrance level of The International building – one of Auckland’s most prestigious multi-residential addresses, Onslow pays ode to the 1889 history of the Grand Hotel. The space is now the culmination of Josh Emett’s culinary journey, boasting a refined, elegant and perfectly represented design. With its vaulted ceilings, impeccable art collection and meticulous selection of materials, it quickly established itself as one of the city’s finest.
The Libraries
Designed by Cheshire Architects / Located in Auckland
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Sitting within the heart of Britomart’s old heritage buildings, the space services The Hotel Britomart’s offerings within The Buckland Building. The century-old brick, kauri timber beams and old relics are all treasured keepsakes that remind us of the buildings heritage. With Aoteroa’s landscape as the muse, the designers paired warm timbers and exposed brick with soft, neutral linens, terracotta and lush green woollen rugs, hand-tooled side tables and leather-backed chairs, alongside numerous handcrafted ceramics by local artisans. ‘One can almost smell the burnt timber, feel the curved concrete and brick columns, hear the opening of wine bottles and the clanging of glass.’
The Libraries is a collection of sorts, with The Lounge, The Wine Library, The Chef’s Library and The Pupuke Room. The collection of spaces showcases the work of talented artisans and fabricators; a library of tools, artefacts and artworks are housed within the spaces, each with a strong connection to the land and culture.
Te Arai Beach House
Design by Fearon Hay Architects + Sonja Hawkins Design / Located in Te Arai
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Set between the forest and the ocean along the east coast of New Zealand’s north island, Te Arai Beach House manifests as a contemporary cabin in the woods. Which at first glance, appears to be a defined, simple form is revealed at closer look to be more complex in detail. With blurred thresholds, operable screens, carefully selected natural materials and careful openings that enhance its dunescape environment.
“We had a discussion early on with the client around what it would mean to create something for a site that is coastal but also forested,” says Tim Hay, Fearon Hay co-founder. “We developed a design direction around a ‘cabin in the woods’ concept. This drove the decision to cloak the building in timber, and the simple gable form, which also calls to mind the agricultural sheds found throughout New Zealand’s rural east coast.”
Sandringham House
Design by Bureaux / Located in Sandringham
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This substantial alteration and addition was conducted on a dilapidated heritage Sandringham villa. In total, around 120 square metres were added to the home in a way that does not feel ‘new’, but rather age-less and appropriate. To create a feeling of solidity and timelessness, a material aesthetic of white bricks and timber joinery was established for the interior.
A carefully crafted interior that has regard for volume, light and the careful selection of furniture and objects that define space. The combination of stepping down into a high volume enhances the drama of the living and kitchen spaces, and also builds a strong connection with the rear garden.
Fielding House
Design by Cheshire Architects / Located in Auckland
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The house is a glazed pavilion siting in the dunescape about an hour north of Auckland. The site has wide views from Cape Rodney, Little Barrier Island to Taranga Island and Bream Head in the north. Floating above the dunes a series of insertions ground this lovely house in place. The two horizontal planes of the roof and floor are joined by three timber clad forms that house the fireplace, bathrooms, and kitchen. A delightful response to site, context and a contemporary glass form.
The glass pavilion nods to a familiar form in mid-century architecture however hosts some unique complexity as the cones break up the open expanse of the house. They provide enclosure amid the open pavilion and induces a sense of calm as they embrace the
wide horizon.
