The outdoor fireplace at a new house by Patterson Associates. Photo / Simon Wilson
Mix a little bit of country with a lot of glass, concrete, ply and steel: somehow, it's magic on the eye when it comes to housing.
Barn-like features, natural timbers inside and out, polished concrete floors, ply internal cladding, floor-to-ceiling glass, full-height doors, dramatic often rural settings: all are hallmarks of New Zealand's nine best new houses.
And yes, black is still in for kitchens.
Those nine homes are shortlisted in this year's Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Architecture Awards. Winners will be announced on November 4. Those awards have since 1990 been sponsored by Resene.
All up, 52 new projects in 12 categories are on the list of properties that judges will view from August 8 to 18.
Wellington architect Sharon Jansen is head convenor with Gary Lawson of Stevens Lawson Architects, John Hardwick-Smith of Athfield Architects and Melbourne-based architect Mel Bright of Studio Bright.
The nine shortlisted houses are in Mangawhai, Waiheke Island, Auckland, Coromandel, Wellington, Queenstown, Wānaka and Arrowtown.
For client privacy, the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) doesn't say precisely where the houses are - just their general area locations.
Pouaka Waikura Rust Sheds by Patterson Associates, Queenstown
On the edge of an escarpment overlooking the Shotover River, three elemental rectangular volumes are subtly oriented to sun and view, judges of a local area award said.
Without a gable or schist stone in sight, these volumes are uncompromisingly and dramatically clad in corten steel and concrete.
Cladding, fixings, external doors and window awnings are discreetly detailed in keeping with this minimal aesthetic.
"The spaces within, while similarly elemental and robust, are softened by warm timber surfaces, creating an atmosphere that is both architecturally expressive and complementary to the clients who inhabit it," the local area award judges said.
Awaawaroa by Cheshire Architects, Waiheke Island
This retreat is an inspirational example of off-grid and pared-back living. The purposeful separation of living and accommodation buildings, and the creative use of utilitarian materials such as canvas to clad them, comprises a clever reimagining of the archetypal campsite.
The small cabins, connected by a communal living shed and courtyard, celebrate simplicity both inside and out, but upon closer examination are articulated with precise attention to detail and an appreciation for the beauty found in true functionality.
First Avenue by Architectus, Waiheke Island
Zig-zagging up its site, this home's connection with the landscape is impeccable and the house feels like it has been here forever, judges said.
The simple yet interesting roof form flicks up at one end to create a cathedral-like interior height. Bach-like planning creates living possibilities for two or 10 people, and the house expands and contracts as required. The exquisite timber-lined surfaces throughout are all sustainably sourced.
Sugi House by Condon Scott Architects, Wānaka
The sequence of interior rooms has been organised to create a generous space within a compressed footprint. A secluded sleeping mezzanine at the rear looks out over a full-height, sunny living room, which in turn opens onto a semi-public terrace, which invites casual conversation with passers-by. The exterior, enveloped wholly in timber shingles, emphasises the simplicity of the building's overall gable volume and is a jewel in the suburban streetscape, judges said.
Light Mine by Crosson Architects, Kuaotunu, Coromandel
Externally clad in reclaimed tōtara, three separate living spaces are unified by uniquely sculptural, off-grid skylights projecting above the roof, referencing the mine shafts of this former gold mining area. Inverted into sculptural shafts reminiscent of James Turrell Skyspaces, the skylights allow sun and starlight to enter each room, and they also function as thermal shafts.
The highly crafted timber interiors open out to expansive views of the sea.
Te Arai by Fearon Hay Architects, Mangawhai
Tucked amid a private enclave of pines and sand dunes, the pure vernacular form and simple materiality of this house create a rich and relaxing coastal outpost, judges said. This unassuming home is comprised of the main dwelling set apart from its guest accommodation, a strategy that breaks down its mass and invites a connection with nature during the journey between the two.
Informally arranged living spaces create a serene cocooning effect, with shades and shutters used to layer light, views and privacy. Care has been taken with every junction and material selection in this home, which is an exercise in elegant restraint.
The Cube by First Light Studio, Wellington
A home for downsizers, this intelligent backyard infill home has been scaled accordingly, judges said.
No space is wasted – the 36sq m footprint doubles as a classroom with a sliding blackboard that allows tutoring from home. A loft bedroom fits snugly into the steeply pitched roof, making the most of the rationed volume, ample natural light, and the material warmth of the interior.
Cunningly sited on the footprint of an existing garage, the home opens to a private garden accessed under a slim canopy of steel and recycled timber from the owner's old farm shed. The design successfully combines affordability, liveability and sustainability, creating a haven that must be a joy to reside in.
Our House by studio LWA, Auckland
The architect has built her family a compact, rich, colourful and original home in suburban Westmere, judges said. Tucked neatly at the front of an original suburban lot, this three-bedroom house is deftly crafted to fit within site constraints.
The material selection, building form and approach to the street contribute significantly to the neighbourhood, and the house is an example of a modern bungalow that explores how to live well within a compact footprint.
Threepwood Passive House by Team Green Architects, Arrowtown
This exquisite small home demonstrates that a commitment to the design metrics of a passive house need not come at the expense of a delightful living environment, judges said.
A single, split-level form under a sloping roof fits readily into the site, providing an efficient plan of living. Sleeping spaces are at ground level, with a self-contained space above for alternative uses, such as a guest suite or office. Careful attention to detail throughout has produced an exemplary and highly efficient house to enjoy into the future
The council has also been served with judicial review proceedings.