ARÊTE
The Karaka Tower, an annex to an existing family home, offers so much more than an additional bedroom and art studio. It provides intrigue and fancy; a place to reflect and retreat; and glimpse of good ol' Kiwi ingenuity and artistry. Nestled amongst the native bush in Eastbourne, Wellington, this modest 9m2 tower is a true reflection of what can achieved by caring craftsman and strong will to prove a concept.
The stacked modular volumes were prefabricated in a factory, then helicopter onto a preformed building platform, through the tree canopy, achieving weathertightness onsite in a single day. A true showcase of architectural, construction and coordination excellence. The exposed interior framing makes users feel like they within a tree house; the outlook unhindered to Te Whanganui-a-Tara. The warm glow of the macrocarpa providing a calm place to rest and create, which the users are sure to do.
What started out as a modest request for a window seat has turned into something more. Something wonderful, whimsical and well executed. The Karaka Tower was awarded a Te Kahui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Wellington Architecture Award 2024 for Small Project Architecture.
