For a family of 6 including 4 teenage children, this was to be a home that the kids could invite their friends back to. The brief was that it must be open and welcoming, durable and easily maintainable, be light and spacious. It was to include a variety of internal and external spaces that catered for those quiet moments, family moments, and rowdy parties.

Set on an urban, long and narrow site running east west, the 6 bedroom home has beautiful outlooks both east and west but two close neighbours to the north and south sides. The need to celebrate these two wonderful aspects of the site whilst maintain privacy drove the two zinc clad walls running east-west the length of the house. Internally and externally they define spaces and outlook, essentially emphasising the great views and connections to the site but limiting the not so great ones. In contrast, the east and west facing walls are more fluid and less defining of space, composed of cedar weatherboards and glazing, opening up the spaces to sun, light and the outdoors.

The house is organised into different zones through split levels with the entry and garaging stepping up to the main living areas which connect to the northwest facing gardens. The next split level up is the games room which enjoys the outlook east over the reserve. Another half level up are the bedrooms with views to Rangitoto.

A double height glazed entry lets light penetrate the central hallway or circulation zone.

Open riser stairs let light from the entry void further penetrate all levels of the house.

The dining and family room enjoy an abundance of light and connect directly to the north facing courtyard and western garden.

The warm tones of rich cedar weatherboards and cedar slats create a softness next to the dark grey zinc clad walls.

The north facing courtyard tucked in between lush hedging and the dining area create a private and intimate outdoor dining experience. Louvres over this space provide shade and shelter but slide away to one side should one wish for more sun.

The kitchen is also bathed in light with large sliding windows opening the kitchen to the vege garden outside and drenching the island bench with sunlight.