The Auckland Design Manual (ADM) is Auckland Council’s best practice design guide full of tips, inspiration and information for people who are designing, building or developing in Auckland. If you’re looking for great examples of home design, the ADM has an amazing library of case studies from Auckland, Wellington and abroad.
Each month on OurAuckland we’ll showcase a case study from the ADM.
Arapai-Urale House
The Arapai-Urale house is a unique twist on modern architecture and the traditional Kiwi family home. Built in 2003, the two-story detached house sits in the sophisticated central suburb of Freemans Bay.
A contemporary take on the traditional inner-suburb cottage, the house is simple yet robust to cater to a growing family. Basic planning and form allow for changing uses within the house as the family changes its priorities and needs over the years.
Surrounded by traditional Victorian homes, durable concrete blocks and concrete floors make it a stand-out on the street. Exposed timber and polycarbonate sheeting is used to soften these harder features and to ensure the design adheres to the area's special character requirements.
In keeping consistent with the traditional housing arrangement, the main house form faces the street invitingly, rather than a garage door or carport.
Daylight has been cleverly introduced into the interior of the long building through a full height translucent polycarbonate screen, clear storeys and large windows.
The city fringe location means a short walk to Freemans Bay School, Ponsonby Road and Victoria Park, with amenities right at your doorstep.
