Highwic, in Epsom, Auckland is one of New Zealand's finest timber gothic revival houses, which has become Auckland's best-known historic house museum. Salmond Reed Architects led a full internal and external restoration, safeguarding its future, and ensuring that the restored house provides an authentic impression, transporting visitors back in time and adding immeasurable to the authenticity of their museum experience.
This home was to serve as their permanent residence where they could create a personal haven in harmony with these stunning natural surroundings.
The house design consciously echoes the experience of the site approach where progression through a sequence of high ridges and bush covered valleys offers mere glimpses to Waipu Cove and beyond.
Within the house form this concept is expressed by denying the full view from the approach and the entry gallery. Instead, its drama is gradually revealed / framed during progression through the various spaces to its final impressive exposé in the private living room and snug.
An over-sailing pavilion-roof connects the living and bedroom ‘pods’, the latter further differentiated and enhanced by its split level location and orientation.
Externally, a palette of timber, stone and steel defines the built forms, taking its colour cue from the surrounding natural environment.
At the approach to the house, a stark juxtaposition of rusticated stone walls against vertical timber cladding, defines the entranceway. These materials reappear as a recurrent combination in the internal spaces where, set against curving white plastered walls, they create warmth and serenity, while gently defining the transition from one space to another.
And then, where the house finally opens out to invite connection with the unique coastal environment, sheltered outdoor areas are carefully integrated to provide requisite protection from the elements on this very exposed site.
