An exciting new Smith + Scully project waiting in the wings…

We have been working for some months now with the Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust, to develop a conceptual proposal for a National Butterfly Centre. With classrooms, labs, and associated protected and open air butterfly gardens, the NBC will serve as a much-anticipated venue for the Trust to fulfil its mission for passing on knowledge of New Zealand’s native moths and butterflies.

We are presently embarking on the lengthy process of getting all the required approvals from Auckland Council. The exact site is still to be confirmed, but presently, the NBC is proposed for an underutilised spot in Tui Glen Reserve, Henderson, where it would create a wonderful destination for the community.

So far, the response to the conceptual proposal has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are looking forward to seeing where this project leads.

This very special 6 hectare site offers beautiful expansive views out over the countryside to the Hauraki Gulf, central Auckland, and the Waitakeres. Working with the sloping land and maximising the vista, we have designed a home that simply yet thoughtfully responds to the views and the landscape.

Working with our briefing questionnaire, our clients provided us a clear direction and an enthusiasm for their project that was infectious!

The site is very elevated and so one has a feeling akin to the freedom of flying. The design is imbued with this sensation of spaciousness, balanced by strong, wing-like masonry walls anchoring the house to the slope. Always mindful of cost, the plan is simple in form and pragmatic in its detail. A generous, attractive entry welcomes you inside, and concrete block feature walls guide you through the home which opens up to that beautiful view.

With an experienced builder already on board, we have been fortunate to be able to liaise with him during the developed design and documentation stage regarding the optimum materials to specify and preferred construction methods. This is proving to be an effective time and cost-saving process on the project.

With the building consent approved and siteworks beginning, we can’t wait to see this house become a reality.