McCracken Architecture - Minnehaha House & Apartment

Located at the seaward end of the Pupuke lava

flow, this rocky site possesses stunning 180 degree

views of the Hauraki Gulf and islands. Originally,

the site contained a 30 year old, 3- storey, brick

masonry building comprising 3 terrace houses

constructed on a radial plan. The new project

brief required a single, large, 2-storey house with a

penthouse apartment above. Much of the existing

structure was retained in the redesign, which also

involved extending and straightening the seaward

frontage. Internal wall alignment generally relates

to the original radial plan, which is centred on the

circular forecourt. Just off the circular forecourt

is a double height entrance hall at middle level.

Living areas and the main bedroom are positioned

at ground level, while secondary bedrooms are

situated on the floor above. A double height

frame placed on a terrace in front of the house

defines an outdoor room. The house has a refined

material palette of exterior cleft travertine blocks,

travertine floor slabs and unadorned white plaster

walls and ceilings.

Done