Patrick Clifford family house

Architectus; Bowes, Clifford, Thomson

This successful family home uses a symmetrical plan to create a simple set of internal spaces while negotiating with both the positive and negative aspects of the site.

The house uses concrete block, timber and various forms of glazing in its construction. The ability of wood to support heavy loads can be seen throughout the house where wooden post-and-beam elements combine to form a highly ordered pavilion that responds well to the irregular site. The building at entry level appears transparent and large amounts of glazing allow the occupants to remain connected to the surroundings. Inside, slender glue-laminated timber columns frame the two bedrooms on the upper floor while portable storage units provide a flexible partition between the rooms. Throughout the house, relatively light wood framing allows all three levels to remain largely open plan, while large doors at each end of the house open out to wooden decks.

Location:

Auckland, New Zealand

References:

Architecture Review, Feb 2000, vol 207, pp 82–85
New Zealand Home + Entertaining, Dec/Jan 2006, p 120