Pāpāmoa is a diverse mix of new and old. New Pāpāmoa has the luxury of flat sites, fresh builds and flashy shopping facilities, while old Pāpāmoa offers casual coastal charm with sloped sections, wild gardens and a laidback feel. This corrugated home by Studio Brick Architects is one of the lucky few that captures the best of both worlds.

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The land had been subdivided from the backyard of a neighbouring property. It was a beautiful, organic mess of flowers, fruit trees, weaving paths and archways. For architect and owner Jeremy Brick, the intention was to create a family home that offered easy living and a connection to the outdoors. “Being in a small town, there’s a lot of talk about new houses,” says Jeremy’s wife Anna. “So we wanted to keep the outside quite minimal and private.”

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The shed-inspired home is spread over two levels, each with a unique purpose and atmosphere. Upstairs, it’s a private retreat of sleeping quarters, family bathroom and workspace, where stained plywood walls and deep burgundy tones create a cosy, quiet mood. Powdercoated in sandstone grey, Metro Series windows from Altherm are used sparingly to frame select views to the backyard while preserving privacy. “My favourite spot is sitting in the little chair by the window in our bedroom,” says Anna. “It’s so calm.”

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Downstairs, there’s an unmistakable shift in tone – a transition to bright and inviting ambience. The kitchen, dining and living spaces flow together in a welcoming open plan, with peach walls, rich timber floors and a striking marble splashback that imparts a feeling of youth and liveliness. “I was always trying to keep the exterior pared back and sleek, with the intention of putting more feels inside,” says Jeremy. The design grabs at natural light but is careful not to sacrifice privacy. Windows are considerately positioned across the street-facing southern side, while a generous, 2.4-metre Metro Series fixed-pane unit has been intelligently fitted with Mistlite textured glass to allow light in but keep eyes out.

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In contrast, there’s little need for restraint in the kitchen where a wide opening in the side of the house pours out to the backyard. Full-height Altherm sliding doors can be pushed to one side, banking against a set of three stacked windows the architect chose “because it allowed us to get a lot of natural ventilation, whenever we wanted to”. A cantilevered aluminium awning protects the dining area from the full force of the summer sun, while concrete steps lead down into the ever-evolving garden.

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The young family have carefully considered the landscaping, using the existing planting as a base. “We must have ordered a lot of plants,” remembers Jeremy, “because the guy who delivered them figured he was dropping them off at a new subdivision.” The garden, like the home, appears effortless. You can see the easygoing life the family live here. It seems peaceful — or as peaceful as life can be with a young child. But that kind of simplicity can only be achieved with meticulous planning and technical detailing. It’s a credit to Jeremy’s work ethic and high standards, and one that will serve his growing family for years to come.

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To see more of this project, visit altherm.co.nz/in-fine-form

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