Our latest issue is out now – Creating Economy by Design – where we investigate cost strategies in residential architecture, looking at how careful design can lead to innovations – building more with less, creating smaller but more interesting spaces, making houses simple but smart – and how industrial materials might be used to create homes that are robust, yet comfortable. Where to buy.

A very conventional approach to housing currently dominates our cities, and there is an urgent call for a greater variety of solutions to the issues of growth, affordability and sustainability. We can utilise intelligent new architectures and dwelling types, linked to a wider urban and transport strategy, to help us build more vibrant, sustainable and connected communities.

The 12 projects in this issue demonstrate a variety of styles and sizes. Architects have taken a strategic approach to opportunities presented by the site, and to construction materials and methods. From a 27-square-metre apartment in Sydney that uses walls as storage elements, to a family home in Nelson made of concrete tilt-up panels, architects find innovative ways to create interesting and dynamic buildings at a reasonable cost.

Simpler forms, prefabricated elements, adaptable spaces, and judicious use of higher value materials: these are some of the many strategies employed. But there are also some daring new concepts – as seen, for instance, in the Sydney co-housing development designed by architect Andrew Benn for two generations of his family. The multiple benefits provided by this model, with its shared services and spaces, should attract more focus in the future.

Each project in this issue demonstrates a careful and considered approach to house design, and provides us with some valuable insights into what drives residential architecture today.

Andrea Stevens, editor

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Contents list:

An Introduction

A FINE PIECE
Furniture designed to be affordable, lightweight and easy to ship.

PART OF THE WHOLE
Well-priced kitchens designed to work with the architecture.

ARCHITECTURE + ECONOMY
Cost strategies in building design – keeping budgets real.

MADE TO MEASURE
Four simple, cost-efficient designs for weekend retreats.

The Projects

CUT & CARVED
Dominic Glamuzina discusses designing for the climate, and using formal and material restraint to build more for less.

A FINE PAIR
Andrew Benn designs a co-housing solution for two generations of his family that results in lower capital costs and energy use.

CONCRETE FORM
Jeremy Smith transforms a commercial construction system into a cost-efficient and poetic family home.

THREE IN ONE
Using a design/build approach, Seattle architect couple Tiffany Bowie and Joe Malboeuf create three townhouses to leverage economies of scale.

LITTLE DARLING
Brad Swartz turns a tiny 27 square metres into a one-bedroom apartment that’s functional and a delight to live in.

SOFT ON THE INSIDE
Low-cost and high-value materials are combined to manage costs on this Waiheke home designed by Michael O’Sullivan.

INDUSTRIAL REWORK
Andrew Simpson converts a heritage industrial building into a beautiful one-bedroom home with rooms that allow flexible use.

SELF-CONTAINED
Kerr Ritchie Architects design a compact and economical home for three on a steep and challenging Dunedin site. Architecture awards

CELEBRATING OUR LOCAL ARCHITECTURE
We present some of the highlights from the NZIA Local Architecture Awards 2015.

Last Thoughts

PLAYHOUSE
Marc Lithgow uses simple, honest construction to design a playhouse for his children that captures the essence of childhood.

Contributors

Writers

Andrew Benn, Andrew Simpson, Anna-Marie Chin, Beth Cameron, Brad Bonnington, Brad Swartz, Bronwen Kerr, Cecile Bonnifait, David Melling, Dominic Glamuzina, Jeremy Smith, Joe Malboeuf, Maria Garcia, Mason & Wales, Michael O’Sullivan, Min Hall, Nicole Stock, Pete Ritchie, Richie Pearce, Suzanne Benn, Tane Cox, William Giesen

Photographers

Andrew Cameron, Ewen Livingstone, Katherine Lu, Patrick Reynolds, Paul McCredie, Peter Bennetts, Rafael Soldi, Russell Kleyn, Simon Devitt, Simon Wilson, Sam Hartnett, Todd Eyre, Tom Ferguson

 

 Pickup a copy at your local newsagent (where to buy) or order your copy online.