Rangitahi Designer Series: Huis Design

We recently chatted to Mount Maunganui based design duo Marcus Bonk and Diego Marangoni of Huis Design studio about their holistic approach to architecture and how they have enjoyed designing for the Rangitahi Peninsula. Diego has written about their latest projects and shared their vision for design.

Huis Design thoroughly enjoy the research and the sometimes 'arduous' process of designing a home —

'...slowly unweaving insights into how to embody the values of the users and the place.' We think the Rangitahi Surf Shack is the epitome of coastal style, and we can't wait to see it come to life in Raglan.

"We have attracted followers and clients alike interested in meaningful architecture - one that speaks to its place, embodying simplicity and with great deference to its context." says Diego.

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Rangitahi Surf Shack by Huis Design

When did the practice start? ‍

Huis Design emerged seven years ago, founded by Marcus Bonk after returning to New Zealand from England and joined by Diego Marangoni six months later, having just immigrated from Brazil.

Who is involved?

‍The practice has metamorphosed throughout the years. It begins as a small collaborative practice, quickly growing to a team of five and then reconfigured to its original constitution: Marcus the Director and Diego as a Senior Designer, combining different backgrounds and skillsets into a cohesive and synergistic work relationship.

Where are you based?

We are based in Mount Maunganui, operating across the North Island.

How would you describe your approach to designing a home?

‍We employ a holistic approach to all our projects - independently of their scope and scale. And it always starts with meticulous research into the interwoven nature between the client's needs and tangible and intangible aspects of the site. Every design needs to converse with deference to its context and convey an idea beyond market trends and preconceived notions.

Hunua Ranges Hut by Huis Design

What combinations of materials/claddings do you appreciate most?

‍Those that express the local context and vernacular or, in some cases, better respond to environmental factors. In most situations, the two aspects intersect.
Expressed timber, brick, concrete and a colour palette that reflects elements of the surroundings are commonplace in our designs.

Tell us about your Rangitahi design and what inspired it.

‍Our Rangitahi design is the synthesis of our client's needs and our interpretation of the emblematic "surf-shacks" of the region. The programme is anchored on generous outdoor spaces to host family and friends and a functional layout framing the views to the East. Rationalised forms, expressed timber cladding and the informal presence on the site coalesce into an architectural language that invokes the essence of its place.

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Rangitahi Surf Shack by Huis Design

Tell us about your impression of the Rangitahi peninsula?

‍Rangitahi Peninsula is a unique location. Close to the town centre and amenities but more strikingly, surrounded by breathtaking views of Karioi and the picturesque estuary.

What do you enjoy most about working with clients and designing homes?

‍The thorough research, the long conversations with the clients and the iterative exploration of ideas - slowly unweaving insights into how to embody the values of the users and the place. Paradoxically, it is always arduous but rewarding.

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Hunua Ranges Hut by Huis Design

What projects do you have on the drawing board at the moment?

‍We have attracted followers and clients alike interested in meaningful architecture - one that speaks to its place, embodying simplicity and with great deference to its context. We are developing a wide range of projects of that nature in outstanding locations - from our vicinities in Mount Maunganui to Matata, Hunua Ranges and National Park - each unique but ultimately sharing underlying principles and the company's ethos.

Where can people follow your work online?

‍We share new designs on our Instagram, Facebook and the progress of the projects under construction. We also have a blog section on our website where you can follow our work.

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www.huisdesign.co.nz
@huis.design
https://www.facebook.com/huisdesignltd