Innovative residential architecture is challenging conventional ideas of home design from the outskirts of Paris to a collaborative housing project in Wellington, according to New Zealand architects showcasing their work at an upcoming international conference.
Connected House: A Futuristic Parisian Residence
On the outskirts of Paris, architects Brendan MacFarlane and Dominique Jakob of Jakob+MacFarlane designed a private family home known as Connected House, according to project details. Commissioned by a French couple seeking an avant-garde design, the structure draws inspiration from surrounding trees and features a vertical, potato-like form with sliced facets, according to the architects. Brendan MacFarlane stated that building a new private home in France is rare due to existing historic building stock, making the project uniquely significant for their practice.
The building utilizes a prefabricated kit-of-parts brought to the site piece by piece and bolted together, making it ultimately demountable, according to MacFarlane. Inside, spaces interconnect vertically and horizontally around a central staircase. This staircase doubles as a massive piece of furniture that holds family heirlooms, starting in the basement as a wine rack and terminating on the roof terrace as an outdoor barbecue, according to design descriptions.
Did you know?
Brendan MacFarlane grew up in New Zealand state houses in Christchurch and Wellington before embarking on an international architectural career.
Block Party: Affordable Collaborative Housing in Wellington
In Southgate, Wellington, architects Caro Robertson and Tim Gittos of Spacecraft Architects designed Block Party, a boutique residential complex created for six friends who clubbed together to enter the housing market, according to project records. The development consists of four terraced houses positioned along a ridge contour to maximize sunlight and views, costing $500,000 plus GST per house, including a part share of a communal area.
Tim Gittos explained that the client group involved the architects early to select a site with good access and few neighbours, which simplified planning. To keep costs down, the team utilized simple semi-commercial construction systems and a medium-sized contractor. Caro Robertson described their approach as “finest cheapest,” selecting cost-effective materials with proven track records and putting them together with care, while providing “naked apartments” that owners can personalize over time.
International Conference in Auckland
Brendan MacFarlane, Caro Robertson, and Tim Gittos are scheduled to speak about their projects at the Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects conference. The event takes place at Auckland’s Aotea Centre from September 8 to 10, with tickets available through the official conference website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Connected House located?
Connected House is located on the outskirts of Paris, France, surrounded by modernist houses from the 1920s and 1930s.
How much did the Block Party houses cost?
According to Spacecraft Architects, the Block Party homes cost $500,000 plus GST per house, which included a part share of the communal area.
Who designed Block Party?
Block Party was designed by Caro Robertson and Tim Gittos of Wellington-based Spacecraft Architects.
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