The brief for this design was to create a compact family home using Sthāpatya Veda design principles. The most important principles of Vedic architecture are the direction and orientation of the home and the auspicious placement of the main entranceway for the positive influence of wealth and fulfilment.
The client had access to demolition timber and materials, through the family demolition and recycling business, so this was utilised with their project.
Materials chosen had to be natural, non-toxic products suitable to the local climatic conditions. Recycled materials have been used to provide character and ability to use products that have an imperfect roughness. The external skin manufactured from recycled power poles works as a rain screen packed out over black Shadowclad provides depth accentuating the shadow line beneath the board.
The wedge’s crisp lines and accentuated length contrast with the organic texture of the wood.
Internally, the high raking ceilings create a light-filled space, and louver windows allow fresh air to flow through the home. Recycled NZ Tawa has been introduced internally, featuring in surface sliding doors, bedroom and lounge room feature walls.
The use of brick offers a varying texture and contrast to the timber externally and internally installed to the bedrooms and living areas.
Photovoltaic panels have been added to the roof providing reusable energy source for this efficient sustainable home.