Crosson Architects

A look back at Te Pae ⏪ Te Pae is an essential facility that enables observation, patrolling and protection at North Piha – one of New Zealand’s most beautiful but dangerous surf beaches. The brief was for a robust, low-maintenance building that would withstand the severe North Piha coastal environment. It needed to provide accommodation for four lifeguards with excellent visibility along the beach – a building that was functional and responded to its context. The tower is sustainable, utilising operable windows for ventilation, with high levels of insulation, sun protection, thermal mass, and natural light. It provides shelter and protection for the lifeguards. The placement of the windows was carefully determined with the club to provide optimum beach surveillance and a connection back to the clubhouse. 📸: Samuel Hartnett

What does your ideal summer escape look like? ☀️ These beachside Crosson-designed projects are perfect for spending a summer holiday. But we want to know which one you love the most - Let us know in the comments!

Crosson wins at the 2024 New Zealand Architecture Awards 🥇 Kōtuitui Terraces has taken out a National Award for the Housing - Multi Unit category. We are honoured to have received this award from Te Kāhui Whaihanga NZ Institute of Architects for this project proving that low rise, multi-unit housing in New Zealand can be unique and affordable. Congratulations to the other nominees Edwards White Architects Ltd and Stevens Lawson Architects. Photography by David Straight

See Paper House in person 🙌 This Saturday, following the Te Kāhui Whaihanga NZ Institute of Architects New Zealand Architecture Awards, the annual Architecture Tour will take place on Saturday 23 November in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Discover inspiring projects across a range of typologies, including our very own Paper House. The Westmere house is an example of an innovative solution to a problem many entering the housing market face, how to design aspirational and beautiful architecture on a budget. To see the full line up and get your tickets to see it up close and personal, head to this link: https://lnkd.in/g36ZqjFn Photography: Samuel Hartnett

This is summer living ⛱️ Boathouse Bay is a medium density development situated at the north end of the Snells Beach settlement, north of Auckland. The design features of this project strategically placed community spaces, gardens, and BBQ areas, connected by filtering paths leading to the beach. What better place to spend the summer months than by the beach ☀️ Photography by Samuel Hartnett

Light Box 💡 This project involved the removal of an existing lean-to living space at the back of a traditional Ponsonby villa, replaced by the addition of a contemporary light filled living zone, opening up completely to the rear yard. The new building form presents as a dramatic contemporary contrast to the detail and filigree of the existing house. An extruded U-channel glass wall is on two sides, admitting soft light while providing privacy from the closely located neighbours. A large opening wall of steel joinery hinges into the yard, dissolving the line of the building. Two pairs of French doors are set into the opening wall. Photography by Simon Wilson & Jane Ussher

The heart and soul of the family home 🧸 Design doesn’t need to take a back seat in a family home. Instead it can work with the needs of children to make it fun and functional. These homes aren’t lacking in design yet they still allow children to be children in a warm, loving home.

Fe3O4 House 🧪 A lifetime spent in the boat-building industry provided the inspiration for this project. Named after its unique cladding material called Fe304 – or iron oxide – which stands up to the coastal environment extremely well and was discovered by the client, after much research. The location at the margin of the bay in exposed, tiny, secluded Taiharuru Bay in Northland called for a rugged response. With its protective vessel form and warm, luxurious interior, the highly contemporary house is perfectly nestled into the surrounding environment. Just as early Polynesian explorers turned their sea-craft upside down to create land shelters the up-turned hull form of this house evolved into a protective shell or carapace, segmented like that of a sea crustacean – the segments sliding over each other to allow light shafts to enter. Photography by Simon Devitt

Introducing The Saint Mary’s Collection 🧡 The Architectural design of the Saint Mary’s Collection is a nod to the rich history of Shelly Beach Road—formerly known as Shell Point Road—by blending contemporary aesthetics with elements inspired by the area’s maritime heritage. Clean lines, expansive windows, and high-quality materials ensure each home is both a modern sanctuary and a tribute to the vibrant character of the neighbourhood’s past. This boutique development comprises six luxury, freehold townhouses, each thoughtfully designed over three spacious levels with top-floor living. Situated in the heart of St Mary’s Bay, these residences offer stunning views of the Harbour and city skyline.

Another win for Waitī 🥉 A testament to the intersection of culture, whakapapa, and nature, Waiti House has won a Bronze at the Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Design Awards for the Residential Interior Architecture category. A big congratulations to Thandi Tipene from Ko & Ko - this award is greatly deserved for it’s thoughtful design which echos a deep respect for the land and its stories 👏