There’s long been something special about Wellington architecture: its houses, more than other centres in Aotearoa, have tended to be personal, even idiosyncratic. Perhaps it’s the weather, maybe it’s the topography, or maybe it’s just something culturally embedded in the place. Regardless, two recent designs show just how delightful the city’s housing can be.

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First up, our Best House Aotearoa 2024. The home of architect Mark Leong and ceramicist Lucy Coote started out as the last in a set of five brick villas in Berhampore, situated on a prominent corner opposite playing fields. The couple’s redesign of the house is thoroughly respectful – they’ve meticulously restored heritage elements and wrapped the perimeter with an ethereal brick extension, creating new living spaces that connect with a courtyard garden.

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Terraced Plot, meanwhile (featured in Here 25), shows Spacecraft Architects’ Tim Gittos and Caro Robertson’s sheer chutzpah and technical nous when it comes to sites that might not be considered buildable in other parts of the country. Stepping down a steep slope through three levels, the design presents a delightful series of spaces. Long views through the house connect different rooms, which in turn enjoy an intimate connection to the outdoor living areas – no mean feat on a slope like this.

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These are two very special houses – don’t miss them!

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Open Home Wellington with Dulux

Berhampore Perimeter House by Studio Myla; Terraced Plot by Spacecraft Architects

Where:

Berhampore and Brooklyn, Te Whanganui-a-Tara

When:

Saturday 30 November, 2024; sessions from 9.30am

Tickets:

$25 (limited numbers!) – order below.

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