Designed as “a beach house in the city” by boutique architectural firm Architektur, 202 Riddell Road, in Glendowie, was recently bestowed a Regional Award from the Architectural Designers of New Zealand.
Verve caught up with company founder, Scott Fowler, to learn about his award-winning design, and more.
“The clients had purchased a 30-year-old olive tree which became the focus of the courtyard. The paving of the courtyard is the same as the interior tiles so when the doors are open, there’s a seamless transition between inside and out.”
Indeed, it was the U-shaped design that particularly impressed the judges, who also expressed admiration for the southern stone wall beneath a floating low-pitched roof that reveals trees beyond.
Scott says that it was essential to consider the site’s diagonal slope.
“The answer was in breaking the U-shape into three subtly separate levels,” he says, “with just three steps between each.”
As fans of modernist architecture, the clients desired an “exquisite glass box” with exposed material finishes to create that coastal-meets-urban feel. The site’s sunny disposition is further enhanced by the central courtyard, deliberately positioned to capture the maximum rays.
“That sunlight is absorbed by the solid porcelain floor tiles and highly insulated slab below in the morning, and then radiates that heat back into the space during the evening. The abundance of glass is low e-double glazed to retain as much heat in winter and reduce heat gain in summer.”
With over 30 years’ industry experience – including a stint in Switzerland, which inspired the name Architektur – Scott knows what works best well beyond the confines of an architecture studio. He has a Master of Urban Design and spent five years in the development market, buying and project managing a number of sites zoned for high density housing, including a block of 14 studio units. He has also renovated several homes, including major internal and external alterations, as well as subdividing and building new homes on new sites.
Though such extracurricular experience proved invaluable in offering “a deep insight into the entire development process”, Scott admits that he was lured back to the purity of architectural design and “what I do best”.
“No matter what the project – a new home, a bach, renovation or alteration – being a small, locally-owned business allows me to truly value the personal touch,” he says. “I’m happy to take on smaller jobs sometimes overlooked by larger firms. It’s all about dedicating myself to clients, and making their dreams come true.”
Scott’s Process
- A free, 1- to 2-hour consultation.
- Scott will then prepare a preliminary report, including a proposed fee.
- Next, a sketch design comprises drawing of floor and site plans, along with a pair of hand-drawn perspective sketches of the proposed build.
- The developed design phase includes the development of accurate plans and exterior elevations, establishment of materials, and layouts for the bathrooms and kitchen and any other highly detailed areas.
- If resource consent is required, details are added to the drawings and documentation in advance of lodging the application.
- Building consent is required for most projects, comprising detailed construction drawings and a specification describing the standards of workmanship.
- Project documentation is also likely required, which involves finalising finishing details, including electrical plans, finalising bathroom and kitchen details and all additional drawings required for construction.
- And finally, procurement and building. “I will be on hand to do regular construction observations,” says Scott, “or can simply clarify any of the drawings and documentation that I have provided, saving you additional fees.”
