Fluidity in form | Architecture Now

Designed by world structure apply Buchan, and accomplished in December 2022, Sonata Residences is sited on a steep and slim coastal-cliff, providing views out to Waitematā Harbour and Rangitoto Island.

Buchan’s Auckland principal Rob Guild led the undertaking, working with design principal Todd Crighton. Crighton says the design takes its cue from the coastal spirit and current character of St Heliers, taking full benefit of the positioning’s beneficial northern side.

“Sonata has been sensitively designed to respect the dimensions of the encircling houses and current a easy class to the road,” says Crighton. “We wished to visually anchor the constructing to the positioning, whereas working throughout the demanding constructing envelope setbacks.”

This was carried out with an exterior of textured and polished concrete, offset by darkish zinc-coloured window and door frames, timber soffits and stone pavers. Crighton says the fabric palette was deliberately easy, with the uncooked, concrete framework fostering a way of belonging with the rugged location.

He continues: “The bottom degree residence is about beneath avenue degree, which reduces the constructing’s scale at entry degree. Behind the general public façade, the sloping website permits the residences to divulge heart’s contents to the outstanding northern views and gentle.”

Flooring-to-ceiling glazing on the northern aspect maximises these expansive north-facing harbour views. Ranges two to 5 embrace outside entertaining areas while the extent one residence has a beneficiant terrace. Every three-bedroom dwelling has direct carry entry from the foyer and the basement carpark.

Crighton says the constructing’s daring, fluid type attracts inspiration from the mild curve of the bay beneath and is a nod to coastal stone that has been weathered clean by the marine setting. It additionally pays homage to the inter-war interval structure chracteristic of the space.

Its layered type permits environment friendly full-floor residences that via fastidiously thought-about spatial programmes, ship the identical amenity as a standard home. The ground plan design gives separation between shared and personal areas, with dwelling areas and balconies projecting out to seize the solar and views. “The cantilevered balconies give a way of hovering in house, at one with nature,” says Crighton.

Every master suite shares the harbour outlook, while secondary bedrooms are positioned adjoining to the street-facing nook.

Inside, supplies within the Buchan-designed interiors have been chosen to exude heat, quiet luxurious. Function partitions of clouded white limestone plaster are complemented by a mushy palette of timber flooring and joinery and pure stone tiling that create a backdrop for the centrepiece marble kitchen islands. Metallic accents and detailing add to the relaxed, subtle atmosphere of the interiors.

Guild says Sonata units a benchmark for the suburb and the town and fits downsizers and households alike.

“Complete-floor residences are excellent for {couples} or households searching for a special life-style while not compromising on house,” says Guild. “With its distinctive design, unrivalled views, beachside location and lock-up-and-leave comfort, Sonata is a uncommon providing for Auckland.”

The curved façade was achieved with in situ concrete and full peak imported curved glass. You’ll be able to watch a time lapse of the complicated building by CMP Building right here.

See the video to expertise Sonata’s inside:

Additional studying from Buchan:

What does resilient structure appear like now?

Design essential to NZ housing intensification