[Ins]tu] House for a Trainer
Design Team: Elizabeth Cotter, Jann Hurley, Sharron Piner • Builders: Redgwell Construction • Engineers: Law Sue Davison
The clients – prominent equine trainers, operating in and around Pukekohe – came to Hurley Architects for the exceptional detailing of complicated concrete structures, which compliment expanses of steel for generous internal spaces and openings.
[Ins]tu] House for a Trainer, rises to the challenge of this brief with stark concrete fins which rise to the sky, creating an irregular cruciform of structure at the core. An absolute distinction between structure and enclosure, creates a free plan of dispersed spaces around the perimeter - blurring inside and out - and allowing much of the building structure to be separated from the interior partitions.
As the project name suggests, each concrete fin is founded ‘in-situ’, that is, produced on site, by building up two walls of textured shutters, with band-sawn timber boards arranged horizontally - to give the concrete character and visual appeal, sandwiched together while the concrete sets in between. The result is bespoke and technically spectacular concrete walls, rising almost five meters out of the ground, which form the heart of the plan surrounding.
High studs throughout provide substantial volumes of space, which in turn are filled with plentiful natural light; None more so than the main living space, which boasts a four metre ceiling height allowing a row of clerestory windows above and which gives the roof the distinctive effect of floating.
A formal Entry courtyard is symmetrical in design, with its axis formed on a reflecting pond, creating clear and direct access, through a corridor of in-situ concrete walls to the main Living spaces – the Kitchen, Lounge and Dining rooms – which look out across the training circuit and estate toward Pukekohe Hill. Here, afternoon light throughout the year is utilised and provides cues to the covered alfresco dining and pool areas adjacent.
A private lounge is nestled further within the building, providing a close link to the main living space and adorned with a bespoke fireplace.
Four bedrooms are divided between space for family - aligned along the northern side, with Master and children’s bedrooms at separate ends, and a secluded area for guests along the private southerly aspect, with views over the farm. Each bedroom is provided with a Bathroom for each occupant’s personal use.
A utility space replete with essential farm Mudroom, Store, Laundry and a clever Scullery space in a hidden wall concealed in Kitchen cabinetry, complete the form and function of the House.
[Ins]tu] House for a Trainer is already staged to be a landmark in its surrounds, be sure to follow Instagram, Facebook and ArchiPRO to stay up-to-date with the latest behind-the-scenes of this bespoke new construction.
