IMAGES – David Straight
The Resene Supreme Award in the recent NZ Wood-Resene Timber Design Awards, brought to you by the Wood Processors and Manufacturers’ Association (WPMA), has been awarded to an urban Auckland home.
Project judges described the 48 Tuarangi Road project as an “impressive integration of timber material and manufacturing precision”.
TOA Architects designed the 156 sqm home which sits on a sloping site with significant access issues blending architecture, engineering and design with elements of nature to stunning effect.
CLT panels created a box beam which allowed the entire ground floor wing to bridge over and cantilever off the concrete cellar below it, creating the home’s dramatic forms.
TOA associate director Craig Wilson says, “At TOA we speak about TOA being Maori for strength, bravery and cutting new ground, and it took those attributes in spades to be able to craft this project. We wanted to be honest to the properties of timber and this design could not have been achieved in any other material.
“We are therefore excited, honoured and very proud to accept both the Futurebuild LVL New Zealand Residential Design Award and the Resene Supreme Award.
“We thank our TOA team, and would also like to thank the builders Mike Greer Architectural, our engineers Engco and DHC, XLam, Abodo and all the other companies and people within the industry who supported this project with their mahi, support and expertise.”
Judges agreed that TOA’s Tuarangi House has been designed to push the limits of what can be achieved with CLT in a bespoke, high-end residential concept.
“This is an excellent example of residential architecture where timber is used in ways that exploit the possibilities of what can be done with it.
“CLT has been used extensively, allowing the first floor to twist and create the striking forms viewed from the street.
“This project shows the potential for what can be done with modern timber materials for designers who are not afraid to try something new.”
Supplier Abodo NZ pointed out this home is one of the first modern applications of an ancient Scandinavian wood finishing method in New Zealand, using iron vitirol or iron sulphate.
This creates a low maintenance, weathered look that is also “self-healing” – generally cracks and damage to wood will be naturally re-sealed by the stain. Iron sulphate has low toxicity and generally doesn’t contain volatile organic compounds (VOC’s).
As Resene says, it’s impressive to see what were once humble trees transformed into practical and beautiful buildings and spaces.
“Resene is privileged to support these Awards once again, recognising and celebrating the innovation and creativity woven into each winning project by the design teams.”
