Back to the future of housing

If Box™ co-founder Dan Heyworth could wave a magic wand to solve the big issues facing New Zealand architects and house builders in the design-and-build industry, what would he do? In this interview with Ryan Castle from Master Builders, Dan looks for answers. Q: Box™ bucked the traditional model by combining an architecture practice and construction […]

Let there be light

A good architect and builder knows how to manipulate space but, like an accomplished photographer, they should also understand how to compose with light and shadow Le Corbusier once said: “The history of architecture is the history of the struggle for light.” While new materials, advanced technologies and, let’s face it, living in a country […]

Do we really need to rip up our house building textbook?

OPINION: In the first century AD, the author, engineer and architect Marcus Vitruvius’ multi-volume book de Architectura (On Architecture)covered such diverse topics as urban design, how to build aqueducts, and optimising your sundial. https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/latest/300404048/do-we-really-need-to-rip-up-our-house-building-textbook#comments Showing remarkable prescience, he makes a point of explaining how to build walls with a cavity to prevent buildings from leaking or growing mould. […]

8 Ways to Get Outdoor Happy

Summer 2022 is on the hazy horizon so we’re looking back at outdoor spaces that put the accent on alfresco  If you’re building a two-storey home, which is often the case on today’s smaller sites, it makes sense to consider a cantilever. This overhang not only looks the bomb, but oriented correctly, becomes a sunshade […]

A Double Dose of Design

The densification of Auckland encouraged by the Unitary Plan comes laced with both challenge and opportunity. The best pathway through the complexities of fitting more homes into a suburban context is good design. This property in the seaside suburb of St Heliers east of the city was typical of its era – an 804-square-metre site […]

Sun sun sun – here it comes

In uncertain times, people crave stability – and in the first instance, most look for it at home. Those who already have a stash of pantry staples squirreled away (and let’s face it, a couple of bottles of wine too) as per advice in the civil emergency guidelines, or who have nurtured a veggie garden […]

Shelter in place

Robyn and Leighton Langley felt conflicting emotions as they stood road-side on a wet and somewhat blustery day and watched a gigantic mechanical arm lift their bedroom pod up and over a specimen pohutukawa to its place on their section. On the one hand they felt very excited; on the other, it was the most […]

The Cutting-Room Floor

There are some projects that get so far and then, for one reason or another, are given the chop. Here Box™ head of design Tony Borland-Lye laments two exciting homes that never got to step into the spotlight. METRO MARVELOUS In the city-fringe suburb of Grey Lynn, there is heritage, and there are people who […]

Looks Good, Does Good

We asked four Box™ team members to highlight some memorable style-setting and pragmatic architectural design details in projects they’ve worked on. Secrets and surprises Ensuring a building is weathertight is an important part of the role for architectural technician Conor O’Brien, who has been draughting up Box™ homes on the computer for three years now. […]

Keeping It Real – House Design & Build

A cluster of cabbage trees stretching into the sky, against a backdrop of islands and ocean, is an iconic indicator that locates this property immediately in New Zealand. The Cordyline australis that grow here are well-loved because the owners of this spectacular site are not only nurturers of nature but keen gardeners too. When they […]