In developing this project, the architects at practice Studio MWA started from the characteristics of the site, a lovely nature retreat near Wellington, New Zealand. The butterfly shape was “adopted” by the project team while panning Dulieu Residence, a three bedroom family home. Quite often you have the feeling you are living away from the rest of the world being hugged by nature. The fantastic view, total privacy, site approach is from about 75 m above the site, its proximity to the River, are just some of details that make the site special. Being located just on the edge of the 100 year flood zone; it’s a natural amphitheater with bush surrounding hills in close proximity.
The architects explain: “Together with the client a brief was developed, but from the start it was obvious that a simple single story design using natural materials, quality orientation to capture sun to take advantage of passive solar energy heating, rainwater and spring water collection, environmentally responsible sewer treatment, with a sustainable approach was ideal. The final house is easy to live in, with indoor-outdoor flow, low maintenance, but the openness and simplicity are the main characteristics of this design. To create a residential project which has nearly 70% of exterior walls in glass is always very challenging in order to follow the standards and requirements, but we achieved all that and even more.” The images do the talking for themselves. Impressed?
