The name of this home comes from the local language meaning deep sea. From the front and rear of this site we look out to the depths of the Pacific Ocean.
I spend many hours each week navigating the ocean in the waka (canoe) the same way my ancestors did across the same ocean. The challenges the ocean brings, to me, are a reminder of the myriad of challenges this project has endured.
There are new learnings from all projects but this particular project gifted me perseverance through hours of frustration. Frustration of the planning authority and the incoherent process of communication.
But we won; we optimised our design and won the additional floor space.
I learned that getting the best consultants on board, who are experts at navigating the controls and the expectations of the Local Planning Panel, is crucial.
Magic happened with this design. I am unsure how, but this site almost guided the form. It was easy to design, and it was clearly defined. I do believe Ali’s gentle work helped massage the spaces and forms. Her sensitive soul added a layer of magic mixed with surfer-girl dynamics.
It has been three years since we first met the owners, and we are finally on site. We have the added benefit of working with a great builder who is excited each day he makes a bit of progress. The same goes for Ken, our structural engineer, who works closely with us to ensure the structure is exposed where we can.
Progress reports to come.
Justine Money