X-Marks

An exposed, vertiginous site, with pre-existing excavation, access via a 1m wide strip and a tight budget, make for a series of challenging design constraints.

In-situ concrete retaining props the existing cut, while the X shape, formed by the upper wing rotated at 90 degrees to the lower, creates multiple sheltered spaces between. The lower living level, orientated to catch sun and shelter the court from prevailing NW winds, is highly open to the view and to verandahs formed beneath the upper story. There is a sense of retreat moving into the more enclosed bedrooms in the upper story, which face long views of the Cook Strait. The irregular shape of the studio offers favourable acoustics for recording.
Steel elements were kept light, enabling them to be carried in and hand-assembled.

Winner 2019 HOME Awards, Small Home.