Tree Villa at Auckland by Matter Architects

ByJon Dykstra Houses

The tree villa photo at auckland.

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Photography: Simon Devitt

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About Studio

Matter Architects is recognized for its work in architecture, urban planning, art, design, and strategic thinking. We pride ourselves on our ethical, honest, and transparent approach to all projects. We love what we do and have a profound commitment to our clients and finding innovative design solutions. We achieve these solutions through a working methodology of collaboration and disruption.

The integrity of ideas along with the process and effective communication ensure that any investment made throughout the project is done so in a well-planned and mutually agreed manner, making certain that our clients and all affected parties realize the most value from our product.

Removing a section of the villa and constructing brick walls.
Removing a section of the villa and constructing brick walls.
The weatherboards and craftsmanship have been kept, seamlessly maintaining the original home facade.
The weatherboards and craftsmanship have been kept, seamlessly maintaining the original home facade.
Old brick retaining walls that were scattered around the neighborhood and on the property were mentioned.
Old brick retaining walls that were scattered around the neighborhood and on the property were mentioned.

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Brick walls that have been cranked at specific locations link the ancient and new tectonically and referentially.
Brick walls that have been cranked at specific locations link the ancient and new tectonically and referentially.
These big planes are broken up by the cranks, tumbling into and out of the openings made.
These big planes are broken up by the cranks, tumbling into and out of the openings made.
Brick walls serve as North-South structures for the second level to span through, giving the appearance of weightlessness, together with a masonry vertical feature.
Brick walls serve as North-South structures for the second level to span through, giving the appearance of weightlessness, together with a masonry vertical feature.
The wooden structures and furnishings in the dining room have a rustic feel.
The wooden structures and furnishings in the dining room have a rustic feel.
The kitchen area's originality was provided by the bricks, which were clearly apparent there.
The kitchen area’s originality was provided by the bricks, which were clearly apparent there.

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A staircase made of hardwood leading to the bedroom and other rooms.
A staircase made of hardwood leads to the bedroom and other rooms.
A large painting on the hallway wall, a distinctive chandelier, a wooden floor, and white painted walls make up the upper portion of the house.
A large painting on the hallway wall, a distinctive chandelier, a wooden floor, and white-painted walls make up the upper portion of the house.
Brick walls that are cranked at specific locations tectonically and metaphorically link the new and the old.
Brick walls that are cranked at specific locations tectonically and metaphorically link the new and the old.
White walls with lining pattern, a white bathtub, and large mirrors can be found in the bathroom.
White walls with a lining pattern, a white bathtub, and large mirrors can be found in the bathroom.
This space contains a mirror, hardwood furniture with a distinctive cabinetry design, and dim lighting.
This space contains a mirror, hardwood furniture with a distinctive cabinetry design, and dim lighting.

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A large wooden bookshelf with a variety of books on it can be seen in this home.
A large wooden bookshelf with a variety of books on it can be seen in this home.

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An old pohutukawa tree on the property served as inspiration, and a cedar slat screen with varying widths that is haphazardly arranged over the shades below alludes to the layering look of pohutukawa bark.
An old pohutukawa tree on the property served as inspiration, and a cedar slat screen with varying widths that are haphazardly arranged over the shades below alludes to the layering look of pohutukawa bark.
From the front, the villa appears unaltered, adding to its strong beauty and tradition.
From the front, the villa appears unaltered, adding to its strong beauty and tradition.

Client objectives were to create a functional family home with privacy, garaging& pool. We challenged the status quo and gave new life to this heritage building – connecting it to its site and community. A garaging provision in the traditional sense was impossible – requiring the controversial decision to install a drive-in garage and car stacker in what was originally the front left bedroom.

Carving out portions of the villa, adding masonry wall structures, and retaining facilitated the car stacker installation. Giving way to the garage door, the original villa facade has been maintained in a seamless manner by retaining the weatherboards and joinery and integrating a hinged door for vehicle access.

While maintaining the character and streetscape presence of this home, we created a multi-level sculptural extension to the North. Old brick retaining walls pepper potted throughout the neighborhood (and on-site) was referenced. Brick walls, cranked at points, connect the new with the old tectonically and referentially.

The cranks break up these large planes, falling in and away, around the spaces created. Along with a masonry vertical element the brick walls provide North-South structures for the second story to bridge across, creating an illusion of weightlessness. An aged pohutukawa tree on site provided inspiration; a cedar slat screen of differing widths, randomly interspersed over the shades beneath, references the layering effect of pohutukawa bark.

A no-maintenance cladding system in dark shades of grey and glass louvered joinery has created an ever-changing depth and shadowing effect over this area. Post-construction the villa looks untouched from the front, contributing to the strong aesthetic and heritage of Ponsonby homes.

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Jon Dykstra
Jon Dykstra

Jon practiced law before launching his online publishing career, bringing analytical rigor to everything he builds. Home Stratosphere combines that precision with a lifelong obsession with residential design — architecture, interiors, landscape, and furniture.

His current focus is AI-driven design analysis, using artificial intelligence to study patterns in color, layout, and material choice across thousands of homes. His Personality Type Home Design Guide applies personality frameworks to interior aesthetics, helping readers design spaces that reflect how they actually think and live.

His favorite piece on the site is the 25 Most Popular Designs, is a daily-updated ranking of the top designs over the last 30 days, driven entirely by visitor activity. The feedback is invaluable for understanding what resonates most with readers. LinkedIn

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