Blundell New Residence / Studio MWA

Courtesy of Studio MWA

Architects: Studio MWA
Location: 36 Sylvan Way, Silverstream, Upper Hutt, New Zealand
Client: Mr. Phillip Blundell &Mrs. Helen Blundell
Size: Floor area 267 sqm, terraces app. 150 sqm, landscaped over 450 sqm, sloppy site of 2,100 sqm
Structural Engineers: Meyers and Associates Ltd.- Wellington
Author: Davor Mikulcic Dipl. Eng. Arch. (Sarajevo) RAIA, ANZIA
Project Team: Davor Mikulcic, Shantanu Kirtikar, Michael Maddern, David Thompson, Daniel Casas
Builder: Maridale Construction LTD. – Upper Hutt
Photographs: Courtesy of Studio MWA

Working on this unique and exciting project ,from start, for me has imperative and goals to celebrate good, functional, innovative, sustainable, brave and imaginative architecture, different than ordinary ones, which push ‘boundaries’ of everyday stereotype.
New Residence designed to specially accommodate everyday needs of person on wheel chair incorporate enclosed area of 267 m2, extensive covered outdoor living with big decking around with raised garden and big pond, situated on sloppy site with north aspect with total site area of 2100 m2.

Initial client brief consisted more than 10 pages of exact and explicit requirements (particularly relevant for person on wheelchair) and some of them are:
• Spatial requirements were conventional, but the project required much more exploration in order to accommodate a new Residence, without compromising the quality of interior or exterior spaces.
• Design Residence without internal/external “boundaries and obstructions” – to be comfortable, safe and easy accessible and that can adopt to the changing needs of family..
• Outdoor living is very important and has to provide opportunity for exercise, gardening and entertaining etc.
• For interior and exterior finishes Architect has ‘free hand’ from Client to come up with the most appropriate solutions to fit architectural composition, functional requirements and budget.
• Through design maximize usage of sun and “passive” solar energy and include under floor heating, solar panels for hot water, double glazing, the best thermal insulation etc. etc.

Quality relationship between client and architect is one of crucial key for successful Project. Openness, transparency and appreciation of different opinions with same goal to achieve quality Project for family in 21 century result with home (spaces) which will inspire, provide shelter, give opportunity to dream, to play, to love, to invite and meet others.

“Merging spaces” create filing and impression of openness and spacious, but in same time with “hidden” pocket sliding walls/doors give opportunity to visually and physically determinate spaces when required.

New Residence incorporate triple garage, entry hall – gallery, open plan kitchen living – dining area, separate formal living and dining area, Master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, two separate visitors double bedrooms with separate bathroom, studio (or fourth bedroom) laundry – utility space, storage room, covered deck area with spa pool, expansive decking all around residence with ramps and raised garden (to be able to work from wheel chair), pond plus much more.

As author of this exciting project I can say that through long journey from start to completion, my client and I created lifetime friendship.
Clients comment given to LIFTIME DESIGN® magazine – published in the United Kingdom, Europe, the United State, Australia and New Zealand the best illustrate client satisfaction with completed Project: