Retaining its heritage, Shift House is an architects family home that sees MAUD elegantly and subtly use the original structure’s form and character as the foundation for renovations. Located on a tree-lined street, the architects family home is surrounded by the special character Freemans Bay. Due to this location, the architects renovations came with constraints that pertained to the form and development of the home. However, thanks to the structure’s position upon a ridge, MAUD was afforded the opportunity to build a two-storey addition that is concealed from the street front and does not cross any of the limitations.

Afforded the opportunity to experiment on their own home, the architect was able to try out methods of interior design that they otherwise would not. As such, the renovations to the architects family home included an addition of modern lower levels that connect to the rear gardens, while an upstairs room that affords an outlook beyond the site has been added. Seen throughout the architects family home there is an intentional use of colour to signal the change in eras. First experienced within the original parts of the home, a muted palette has been used to bring life and character to the space, while in the newer additions there is a shift upon the emphasis of materiality and texture to match the modern years.

Using recycled materials to link the new additions to the original home, MAUD shifts and moves the formal shapes of the original zones into the relaxed new additions. In the bathrooms, the use of saturated colours provides an immersive experience, showcasing the ritualistic approaches to bathing. Envisioned as a peaceful yet hard-working space, the kitchen features Fisher & Paykel appliances, which also merge with the intent of design. With a focus on performance and aesthetics, MAUD has specified Fisher & Paykel appliances due to their shared ethos.

Intrinsically linked to one another, the interior and exterior spaces of an architects family home have been designed to harmoniously interact. Furthermore, design devices have been employed to blur the lines between inside and outside, such as the sliding doors, level threshold and continuous ceilings between spaces. As the light slips in and moves about the interior, the architects family home encourages a comfortable flow of movement. Supporting the patterns of everyday life, MAUD has designed the residence to allow a natural ease of living.

00:00 - Introduction to the Architects Family Home
00:45 - A Special Character Location
01:29 - The Ability to Experiment
02:00 - A Shift from Old to New
02:43 - The Material Palette
03:10 - A Focus on the Kitchen
03:39 - The Performance and Aesthetics of Good Design
03:53 - Linking the Outdoors with the Indoors
04:20 - Favourite Aspects of the Home
04:55 - Changing the Way of Living and Operating

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Photography by Sam Hartnett.
Architecture and Interior Design by MAUD.
Build by Faulkner Construction.
Landscape by Babylon Gardens.
Structural Engineering by Chester.
Geotechnical Engineering by Geo Studio.
Appliances by Fisher & Paykel.
Filmed and Edited by Cadre,
Production by The Local Project.

The Local Project acknowledges Māori as tangata whenua and Treaty of Waitangi partners in Aotearoa New Zealand. We recognise the importance of Indigenous peoples in the identity of our respective countries and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present and extend that respect to all Indigenous people of these lands.

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