The dapper dozen
With a brief of clean lines and a modern, low-maintenance take on the gable form present in the existing neighbourhood, this Innes Road development fits into the urban fringe of Merivale with a refined prominence. This project had an aim for a mid-range market but in a superior location.
WORDS Joshua Brosnahan PHOTOS Sarah Rowlands
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER Figure & Ground
These 12 townhouses are located on a site previously housing a single dwelling that was quake damaged. With a mix of two and three-bedroom townhouses, this savvy design combines three small blocks of high-quality townhouses with a central car park space.
Each of the townhouses features a garage or car park and a private outdoor space directly linked to ground floor living spaces. Upstairs is dedicated to bedrooms with leafy street views and bathrooms.
The combination of a natural palette of red brick and cedar construction means that although this build is new, it’s sympathetic to the existing housing in this area. The high pitched gable roofs identify each townhouse, designed to face north or west, and the raking windows provide a street presence.
Located on the northeast corner of the site is a pin oak tree. As a very large, mature specimen, it held some significance to the site. The considerable canopy width meant this oak was one of the largest in the city and certainly at the top end of the protected tree canopy and trunk sizes. Intensive arborist reports and council assessments meant the oak was integrated into the build.
Figure & Ground was established in 2021, bringing together a unique combination of local expertise with international experience. Although they are a new brand, its presence in the architectural space is by no means new. Both Sam and Simon have built enduring local relationships and formidable reputations since their shift back from Brisbane, where they first met. Both are originally from Christchurch, and it has been important for both of them to return to their roots.
“We consider ourselves different to most architectural practices, whereby we are a trusted partner with clients across a range of sectors, including residential, multi-residential, and later living. We act as commercial and creative thinkers, translating a client’s ideas into reality. We like to keep it simple, including how we deal with clients. Clients have come to expect professionalism, but in language they understand.”
Figure & Ground is built around an ethos of balancing commercial outcomes with detailed and elegant designs for clients. It’s a fine balancing act in the architectural space, particularly with costs on the rise. Whether it is taking a brief and creating a beautiful dream home, or ensuring you get the best value for your site, what remains consistent, is the quality.
Sam and Simon both come from award-winning practices, one being Sam’s original practice he built from the ground up. In becoming partners, Sam and Simon are determined to deliver the magic in their down to earth and pragmatic way.