Trends New Zealand Trends Volume 32 No 5 New Zealand | Page 139
and large trees. There are also two private car
tunnels carved out of sandstone leading to the
home’s two underground garages, while two
driveways access visitor parking and the entry.
The home spans four blocks of waterfront
land and setting it partly into the hill required
the excavation of 6500m3 of sandstone, the
equivalent to three-and-a-half Olympic pools.
“As well as half of it being essentially underground, the home is constructed almost entirely
in slabs of high-strength compressed concrete.”
It is testament to the skill of Cameron Jones
that the cavernous, semi-subterranean structure
blossomed into an inviting, liveable home.
The close collaboration between Innovate,
EB Interiors, Sammut and the engineering consultants allowed for the creation of dramatic
clear span structures and cantilevers, says Jones.
“This helped break down the residence’s
monolithic form and allowed the interiors to
flow out to the many garden and entertaining
areas,” the architect says. “The contemporary,
linear design is enhanced by the extensive use
of natural stonework and feature zinc roofs.
“The owner had many great ideas such as the
use of windows looking through the excavated
Above: The expansive home is
formed in compressed concrete
with wide clear spans. Cantilevered
concrete awnings, some with
skylights cut into them, soar out
above the alfresco areas. The home
has three lifts, and six kitchens, with
some levels operating as individual
apartments. Twenty-four industrial
solar cells supply hot water to
the bathrooms, spas, pool, and
underfloor heating.
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