29 Ramahana Rd
THE PROJECT
This project is a house and studio that was constructed with a mid-30s couple and a restricted budget in mind. It is a 45m2 building that could be described as a tall box. It includes north facing floor-to-ceiling windows for catching plenty of sunlight and a mezzanine floor perched in the middle, which has been designed to look over adjoining properties and take in a view of the hills. In conjunction with the net hanging across half the mezzanine, which allows light to flow through it, the large windows allow natural light to penetrate into every nook of this house. The bedroom is situated on the mezzanine. An open plan kitchen-dining-living area is below and the bathroom is tucked away to the rear of the house. Outside is a deck that has been especially designed for barbecues and socialising.
The construction found in this building is not dissimilar to most other buildings found throughout the country. It is timber framed, fully insulated, and clad in both corrugated iron and cedar weatherboards. The roofing is also iron. The interior of the house is lined with ply both for aesthetic reasons and for its durability.
A workshop has been built at the other end of the site (not included in the cost above) with a fold-out bed for friends who come to visit. In between the workshop and the 45m2 house is intended a 73m2 house. The larger house is designed to compliment its taller friend and studio by using the same design language, and it will also act as a bridge between them.
LOW COST
The main factor keeping costs down is the small size of the building, its simple shape, and to some degree its simple material pallet. The smaller the building the less work and in turn cost is involved in its creation. The simple shape makes the construction process a bit simpler, which in turn saves on cost.
Corrugated iron and plywood are the standout materials here, with a some cedar cladding. The building was built with professional labour with the exception of some of the kitchen where a few friends helped out. Some creative license was taken in this area, making it a red kitchen.
The buildings at 29 Ramahana Road are an example of incremental building, which is a more financially viable option for most people - a small building can be constructed and lived in, and as funds gradually become available, a larger building can be constructed to follow.
ABOUT THE ARCHITECT
The architect, Fabricio Fernandes, comes from Brazil and relocated to New Zealand in 2003. He is energetic and passionate about smart design and has worked in several locations around the world. He prides himself on well thought out designs that pay careful attention to the arrangements of space and choice of materials.
CONTACT
If you would like to contact Fabricio Fernandes or check out more of his projects you can do so at fernandesarchitects.com
