New House in Greenhithe

This new house project transformed a difficult native-bush-clad site into a charming and special home amongst the trees.

Located in a large, thickly forested and sloping site in Kereru Reserve, from the beginning, this site posed some serious design challenges. The beautiful and well-established native bush was protected by council and to build anywhere on this site required significant liaison with arborists to ensure minimal impact to the flora and fauna, which included many large, ancient Puriri and Kauri. One Puriri in particular reminded our client of a tree from an old children’s book; ‘the Faraway Tree” and so the project was henceforth called “the Faraway House’  and the end result was something truly special. The house responds to its dense natural environment, by sitting on stilts, staying slender in form and stepping around several significant trees, creating a feeling of peaceful connection with nature and surprising openness and light.

On the main floor are an open plan kitchen and generous living/dining area, as well as three bedrooms (one with ensuite) and a third bathroom. The numerous decks surrounding the living areas extend the useful space and give the house a fun ‘treehouse’ vibe. Generous, carefully placed glazing and wide openable spans of bifold doors reinforce the strong connection to the outdoors. The roomy master wing is tucked away privately upstairs, enjoying prime position floating amongst the tree-tops.

This lovely house, which was completed in 2006, and pleasingly remains a stylish, contemporary and unique design.

CLIENT COMMENTS

“From the first time we made contact I have felt that we had chosen the right firm to design our house. Our site was a very difficult one, with several issues surrounding the potential design. Your ideas and subsequent final design were outstanding. At all times I felt that you and your staff were professional, yet very easy to approach. I felt able to contribute my ideas and suggestions.

So with our house almost finished I would like to thank you for your outstanding professionalism and fantastic design ideas that have turned the difficult bush clad site into a stunning home for my family.”