The 'modpod'

Background & Brief
Red Turtle was commissioned by Haven NZ Limited to design a display home that showcased their design and construction scope, for display in the ‘Street of Houses’ at the 2002 Auckland Homeshow.

The design brief required a ‘Pacific Rim’ atmosphere within set parameters: maximum internal footprint of 92 square metres, three bedrooms, separate internal laundry with tub, separate toilet, bathroom including a shower and separate bath and family sized kitchen.


Response
The result – the ‘modpod’ - with its clean weatherboard lines and copious deck space reflects the kiwi lifestyle and caters to New Zealand’s impulsive weather.

The exterior design is characterised by the linear detailing of the traditional Kiwi weatherboard. The crisp linear aspect is continued into the house from an enclosed deck, with timber decking also continuing inside the main living area.

Restricted space encouraged a focus on ‘versatile functionality’ for designer Victoria McAnulty. Despite its compact size, the raked ceilings and light-filled interior exaggerate a feeling of spaciousness. At one end of the main living area, a full-height veneer wall hides a sleek family-sized kitchen. Extra fold-out bench space is contained in a multi-purpose mobile ‘grill’, that doubles as an outdoor BBQ complete with gas cooktop.

A focus on surface texture and design detailing encourages ‘Pacific’ character. A custom ‘entry grill’ spans the width of the deck - designed as an alternative to the traditional door-mat. Inside, woven bamboo ceilings and textural bath tiles create visual movement. Predominantly full-height cavity sliders, the interior doors maximise efficiency while creating the illusion of space.

Innovative storage spaces are cleverly contained in the kitchen, custom-designed cabinetry and wardrobes. A fold-away bed discretely hidden in a wall cabinet re-configures the Study/Games Room to a guest bedroom.

The Kiwi outdoor lifestyle is encouraged in the ‘modpod’ with a range of indoor-outdoor living solutions - decks create additional space while offering privacy and shelter. Notably, the main ‘enclosed deck’ extends the living space to a large entertaining area with bi-folding doors that completely stack away.

Project Designers: Red Turtle Limited, Auckland, NZ.
Completion Date: September 2002



click on an image above to view a larger example

For more information phone +64 9 239 1342 or visit www.havennz.co.nz