There is a certain composure to the work of Stevens Lawson Architects — an ongoing dialogue of ideas that seems to flow between projects. Here, on a ridgeline at the meeting point of Auckland suburbs Glen Innes and Glendowie, that conversation finds expression in an unexpected setting.
That this project emerged from a collaboration between architect and developer is perhaps precisely what makes it so compelling. By their very nature, multi-residential developments are not always places in which architectural integrity is prioritised. Yet, in this instance, a partnership with Jalcon Homes has produced something beautifully considered; a project that hints at a more optimistic trajectory for Auckland’s evolving suburban density.
The site in question was particularly interesting from an architectural perspective.
“It was a beautiful proposition to design for because it is elevated, has a fantastic north-facing sun aspect, and has brilliant views out over East Auckland. However, because the sun is in one direction and the views are in the other, a site like this demands quite a lot of you,” architect Gary Lawson explains.
The response was a carefully composed arrangement of five homes — three terraced and two stand-alone dwellings — organised around a central laneway. The two free-standing houses positioned at the rear of the site capture the most expansive views, while their placement allows the street-facing terraces to borrow glimpses of the outlook beyond.
The row of terraces is rhythmic in its simplicity: three identical gabled forms composed of charcoal brick and timber.
“The materials we’ve built these houses with are familiar to the neighbourhood. The surrounding houses often have pitched roofs and are commonly constructed with brick or timber, so this combination sits quite naturally in the neighbourhood.
“The simple pitched roof forms are a favourite of ours. They are an iconic house form but, set in a group of three, they feel quite strong and self-assured. Teasing apart the brick to create screening, they make for quite a dynamic street frontage.”
Those perforated brick screens, covering half of each boatshed-like form, carefully mediate two situations — offering connection with the community, or the ability to retreat from it when desired. Behind them, floor-to-ceiling glazing extends the living spaces outwards, where deep balconies are sheltered beneath the eaves.
“To contrast the strength of the brick, we’ve used Abodo timber to soften the forms — two materials quite different in what they reveal. One is perceptually quite hard while timber has a warmth to it. They work beautifully together in contrast,” Gary explains.
There is a familiar language at play here. A hint of Stevens Lawson’s earlier work can be felt in the composition — echoes of the dramatic material interplay of Rawene House (2018), and the sculptural clarity of Mawhiti (2021). Here, those ideas are distilled and translated into a multi-residential context; architecture that feels both generous and assured.
Inside, that distillation continues. The triangular geometry of the exterior is repeated in various ways.
“This is a hallmark of our work; the macro idea being distilled down to the micro, so we have this motif repeating in elements such as the stair screen, the ends of the kitchen island.”
The use of skylights in bathrooms and above stairwells ensures a sense of generosity in these interiors, and draws light deep into the centre of each home.
These details, combined with other moves, such as the expression of the rafters and the use of skylights, create spaces that feel particularly characterful — with light a key protagonist.
“Jalcon Homes wanted these homes to be architectural, so one of the big expressions of that is the interior spaces, which are lofty and generous — unusual in a developer-led market,” Gary says. “We love introducing light in surprising ways: skylights in stairwells and in bathrooms, and interesting windows. Here, that play of light has the effect of adding another dimension to the experience, and making the interior spaces feel quite special — with a real point of difference to a lot of terraced product.”
With simple forms and a restrained material palette, the architects have achieved a balance between individuality and cohesion. Each home has its own nuances, yet together they form a beautifully composed set.
“In terms of an approach to multi-unit projects, we have designed five houses for a site where once there were only two. The density doesn’t feel stifling, so, to us, it’s an example of how Auckland can develop over the coming years, with houses that have an architectural quality, at a level that is repeatable.” Gary observes.
In a city continuing to grapple with the realities of intensification, these homes offer a persuasive reminder: thoughtful architecture has the power to shape not only buildings but also the character of the neighbourhoods around them.
Words Clare Chapman
Images Zico O’Neill-Rutene
Judges’ Citation
A persuasive example that multi-units do not have to equate to homogeneity. Through thoughtful planning at both urban and domestic scales, this development creates not only a collection of slightly different houses but a genuine sense of community.
Bold roof forms and carefully articulated masonry give the buildings a confident presence, while generous glazing, skylit stairwells, and elevated living spaces bring light and drama rarely seen in this category.
Ambitious in its quality and spatial richness, the project demonstrates that increased density in a growing city need not come at the expense of architectural generosity.
Project Credits
Architecture: Stevens Lawson Architects
Build: Jalcon Homes
Landscape: Strachan Group Landscape Architects
Words: Clare Chapman
Images: Zico O’Neill-Rutene
Timber: Abodo
