Trends New Zealand Trends Volume 31 No 4 New Zealand | Page 16

At street level these opposing elements
include the layering of different roof types.
“There is the solid cantilevered roof,
which is topped by a high, louvred roof
that is semi transparent. This in turn is
overlapped by a dark charcoal steel framework that offers just a hint or suggestion
of a roof.”
Rechichi says the architecture also
references the work of American architect
Richard Meier, who is renowned for his
bold, geometric designs that frequently
feature the colour white.

“For this project, white elements are
layered on both the exterior and interior.
In some areas there is a very pure white,
while in other places it deepens to a grey.”
Surfaces on the interior are mainly
polished plaster or Turkish limestone,
which clads a double-height void that
connects the two main living areas.
“The main entry to the three-storey
house is at mid level, which we call the
ground floor because it is accessed from
street level,” says Rechichi. “This is
where we positioned the main outdoor

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living area, pool, sun terrace and outdoor
kitchen, along with two bedrooms and a
guest suite.”
With expansive glazing across the
entire end of the void and on the upper
level, the lines between inside and out are
blurred. A high louvred roof above the
outdoor living area heightens this connection. The louvres close automatically
when it rains.
A lowered timber slat ceiling provides
a more intimate space for the outdoor
kitchen-bar area. The timber slats are laid