Crosson Architects Limited

Fe3O4 House

Fe3O4 House
© Simon Devitt

FE3O4 HOUSE

Crosson Architects

LOCATION
New Zealand

PROJECT YEAR
2017

PHOTOGRAPHS
Simon Devitt

CATEGORY
Houses

Text description provided by architect.

A lifetime spent in the boat-building industry provided the inspiration for this project. The location at the margin of the bay and exposed to the elements - wind and ocean called for a rugged response.

Fe3O4 House
© Simon Devitt
Fe3O4 House
© Simon Devitt

Just as early Polynesian explorers turned their sea-craft upside down to create land shelters the up-turned hull form of this house evolved into a protective shell or carapace, segmented like that of a sea crustacean - the segments sliding over each other to allow light shafts to enter.

The materiality is also a response to the environment. Weathered like a vessel subjected to long ocean voyages, the rusted steel blends with the colours of the sand and rock and presents its outer shell to the elements as protection.

The interior is warm and luxurious, with faceted ply walls and ceilings tracing the planes of the exterior.

Fe3O4 House
© Simon Devitt
Fe3O4 House
© Simon Devitt
Fe3O4 House
© Simon Devitt

To the south a protective ‘shoulder’ is turned, with disjunct segments allowing narrow window planes to light the interior spaces and offer glimpses of views.

On the north the shell is lifted up, allowing glazing to open out to decks facing views of the adjacent hills.

The eastern elevation facing the beach is fully glazed, with translucent glass allowing for privacy, inset with clear glass panes for views and protected with a layered verandah.

Fe3O4 House
© Simon Devitt
Fe3O4 House
© Simon Devitt
Fe3O4 House
© Simon Devitt

This project is a ‘beautiful craft’ – the interior crafted with finesse like the interior of a luxurious superyacht, the exterior with its rusted steel (Fe304) cladding reflecting the beauty of voyage and return, vessel and shelter, vehicle and dwelling.

Fe3O4 House
© Simon Devitt
Fe3O4 House
© Simon Devitt


Fe3O4 House
Plans

Crosson Architects Limited
T +64 9 3020222 F +64 9 3020234
Crosson Architects Limited
l1/223 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand