Architects in Frankton, Otago

“We engaged Wright and Gray Architects to design and project manage the renovation of our 1920s house in Karori, Wellington. We loved our location, but the interior layout just didn’t suit our growing family. We appreciated Travis taking the time to understand how we were currently living in the house, what our pain points were and what we would like to improve. He used this to reconfigure the layout of our existing footprint into something that met all our requirements and made much better use of space. Travis and his team are very knowledgeable and always made great recommendations – from the construction company, to hardware and colour selections. This project had its challenges, as all renovations do, and Travis and his team were a calming influence throughout- and never far away when we needed them. We’re very pleased with the results and would not hesitate to recommend Wright and Gray.”

“As soon as we found Modbox there was not a chance we would go through anyone else to build our home. The team are down to earth, understood our ideas and let us do it our way while guiding us 100% to get the project off the ground and just as importantly to get it finished. Now we are living in our Modbox we wouldn't change a thing, the house has been warm through a Central Otago winter using only one heat pump and holds it's warmth overnight. We love the design quirks that make a Modbox uniquely what it is.”

“We’re often asked who designed the home we love to live in. Chaney & Norman Architects would be our go-to team if ever we were to do it again on a different site. Both for their design flair and their willingness to listen and work with us to achieve our brief. Put most simply, it feels good to be in every room of our home. We love the flow, how spaces are defined and linked, and the natural light in our home. The house was designed specifically for our site. We enjoy total privacy from the road and protection from the southern aspect. As soon as we walk in the front door the house opens up to allow unimpeded views from floor to ceiling of the lake and mountains to the north. Views of more than 180 degrees from edge to edge are delivered to every living area and to the master bedroom. The small open courtyard around which our house is built is a much-loved feature. It is open to the sky and fully glazed with sliders, so it offers passage through to every side of the house as well as introducing light into every space. Because of the interior courtyard there isn’t a single corridor in our home. And it’s is a nice sheltered spot for a first coffee. The den is hunkered down on the southern side of the house so you might expect it to be colder and darker. Instead it’s a room for all seasons. We have spectacular views to the north directly through the interior courtyard and the other living areas. The winter sun streams into the den via this courtyard. We appreciate the flexibility to re-purpose the den, made possible by the courtyard. Whilst there is usually both a visual & physical connection through the fully glazed courtyard into the den, it can be closed down to give privacy to anyone wanting “time out” or a separate work space. Adjacent to the kitchen and dining area, facing north to the lake, is an outdoor room we have called our Dropzone. It is nestled a few steps down against the house for wind protection, and to allow for uninterrupted views from the kitchen out to the lake. With the roof continued over and with a glass balustrade, we can enjoy our Dropzone even in mid-winter on a sunny day. Another part of our home we love! We knew we were building a home with energy and thermal efficiency but we have tended to take it for granted until we’ve visited some other homes in winter! It’s one of the behind-the-scene things we appreciate about our house. We love our elegantly simple home with clean lines. Our architect thought outside the square to deliver what lies within the exterior walls”