Project: 10×10 House
Architecture: Patchwork Architecture
Builder: Dorset Construction
Location: Kilbirnie, Wellington, New Zealand
Area: 280 m2
Year: 2020
Photo credits: Simon Wilson
This NZIA award-winning house was designed by Patchwork Architecture for the owner of Dorset Construction, Adam Pierson. Located on the corner of a busy suburban street overlooking Kilbirnie, creating the home for the builder and his family was a challenging task.
Transforming the 280 sqm section, by creating as much flat space as possible and capturing killer views over the city and the ocean, were at the heart of this project. The three-bedroom house features an office, two bathrooms, and a flat area for barbecues and entertaining. All of the rooms are based off the living area to make family life practical and comfortable and to utilise the view.
There’s even a rooftop deck, accessed by outside stairs and bright yellow steel gangway. The deck features a cute, double-door shelter on the south side, dubbed ‘the bus stop’, to protect dwellers from the outside elements.
Every detail has been considered throughout design and build – often requiring creative building solutions to bridge the gap from drawing to reality. Two examples of this were creating enough living space on the steep, triangular-shaped site without digging deep foundations or expensive retaining, and achieving windows where the glass extends beyond the ceiling and floor. The 10×10 house is supported at the edges by steel poles and has a concrete block column at its core, with a 10×10 m platform – giving the project its name.
The concrete core also provides the home’s entrance, a laundry, office and stairs, leading to the main living area. Here, an oak floor and ceiling mirror each other, creating an effect similar to an infinity pool, and a high-end feel. Adam couldn’t be prouder of the final result, but admits completing the project was one of the most challenging years of his life.
Our team were delighted to have our work on this home recognised by the industry, when it was named winner of the Housing category of the 2020 New Zealand Architecture Awards.
