Trends New Zealand Trends Volume 31 No 1 New Zealand | Page 17

the structure’s design,” the architect says. Schist clads the base of the building and the large garage that forms a plinth for the house. Wayne Foley, director of Trinity Development Alliance, who also managed the entire project and commissioned the consultants, says the steep site created construction challenges. “Terracing the slope to provide three flat levels involved huge cuts into the site, some of which were up to 11m deep,” he says. “It also required massive structural concrete beams in the 5m-high garage, which has a lawn and landscaping above. The building itself mainly sits apart from the cliff, with just a couple of connections, so it is seismically isolated in the event of an earthquake.” Entry to the house is through the garage, which acts as a porte cochère – it leads to a lift and a large spiral staircase. Access is also provided by an outdoor stair, and stairs that descend from the street above, to the main living level of the house. “The sculptural spiral staircase linking all three levels of the house is part of the excitement of the building,” says the architect. “With a fully glazed wall, the views are maximised. We also Top: The games-media room behind the kitchen opens to an outdoor terrace. A bar at one end of the room features a marble counter and leather-upholstered bar stools. Above: At the other end of the media room a climate-controlled wine cellar features bricks salvaged from the Manchester Court Building in Christchurch following the first earthquake. The curtains in the media room, living room and bedrooms are natural linen. search | save | share at trendsideas.com 15