It was 2018 when Graeme purchased the New Zealand property and although the location was faultless, the house on the land didn’t fit with his vision. Graeme explains “It was the ugliest house you could ever imagine in the most beautiful of settings.”

It was a monotone plaster clad building, designed in the Modernist style popular from the 1930s to the 1960s.  Continuing the theme of the minimalist cladding the roof was a flat pitch, characteristic of the architectural style, giving it an almost industrial aura. Though the building wasn’t to his liking, Graeme saw the potential, and could imagine how a redesigned home could look with a pitched roof at the centre of the project.

Graeme’s vision for his new home drew inspiration from Canada, where his brother lives.  Having spent a lot of time there, Graeme fell in love with the aesthetic of wood shingles and slate cladding that is characteristic of the country.  This would require a drastic overhaul of both the exterior cladding and the roof structure.

A Durable Roofing Solution with Timeless Appeal

To kick-start the project, Graeme contacted Peter Lochhead of Lochhead Design Ltd.  With a clear brief that had the roof change at the core of the project, Peter redesigned the entire roof structure to form a complex pitched roof with multiple storeys, gables, hips and valleys.

Once the design was in place, the material choice was an easy decision to make. Graeme chose Gerard’s CF Slate profile, a slimline roof tile system made of a core of zinc-aluminium coated steel, further coated in proprietary protective layers and finished in a natural stone chip coating with overglaze.  In the final design, the CF Slate tile roof was accompanied by external gable support posts finished in a natural slate cladding.  Graeme says of the design, “That shingle type roof was just something that I really loved and being able to find it in a metal form to get the strength and durability of steel was just the ultimate.”

A change to a pitched roof is relatively common overseas where flat membrane roofs have led to water ingress issues. Flat roofs are characterised by a pitch of less than 10° and in New Zealand, typically require a minimum of 2° to meet the Building Code.

This extremely low pitch can lead to ponding, or standing water, which is when water is unable to run off the roof for over 48 hours after rainfall.  Once ponding is present in a flat roof, remedial action needs to be taken or the issue will accelerate due to the weight of pooled water.  In addition to ponding, cracks, blisters, and splits are all common issues with membrane roofs, which may be difficult to identify as water seepage can go unnoticed leading to long-term damage.

The large project was prolonged by regulatory requirements to bring the existing structure up to current day’s Building Code.  Folded into the primary project of restructuring the roof, additional changes were built into the overall plan, including updating the kitchen, remodelling internal walls, and the introduction of natural timbers in the home.

To manage the project Graeme contracted Stuart Wood, a local Tauranga-based building contractor on Peter’s recommendation.  In turn, Stuart brought in the team at Taylor Roofing who are experts in working with Gerard roofs.  Construction began at the end of 2020, with scaffolding being erected around October.  During this period, Graeme decided to remain living in the house, only shifting out for around three months when the house became unliveable.

Built to Withstand Extreme Weather

The roof was completed in late 2022, in time to protect the house from the severe weather conditions early 2023 had in store for the region.  Graeme elaborates “It was the ultimate test in terms of roof performance as the location is really, really exposed.  [The wind] is about as extreme as you’re going to get”.  Utilising Gerard’s Concealed Fastening (CF) technology, the CF Slate profile’s design forms an interlocking matrix that is incredibly robust and lightweight.  Fasteners used on the roof are hidden from the elements, prolonging their lifespan and ensuring a sleek final look.

The entire project spanned two and a half years, with the entire building transforming into a new modern-styled home.  And as the project came to a close in April 2023, the hard work paid off with Graeme hosting his wedding on the property in front of the newly renovated home. Graeme reflects on his project to completely overhaul the roof, “I’m totally stoked with it. It’s a beautiful roof.”

Project credits

Architect: Lochhead Design
Photographer: Jamie Wright
Roof Manufacturer: Gerard

For more information

Gerard

The post The House on the Hill appeared first on Completehome.

New Zealand-based Bob Burnett Architecture, comprised of husband and wife team Bob Burnett and Shizuka Yasui, enjoys a reputation for being innovators in high performing energy efficient homes.  Shizuka’s architectural training in Japan lends a strong Japanese influence over their designs, focussing on Japanese elements of flow and efficiency.

Their passion for sustainability and energy led them to develop the Superhome Movement, which aims to share knowledge about sustainable practices and create a better standard for kiwi homes.  During one of the Superhomes tours of sustainable homes, Bob met Vickie and John and bonded instantly over the concept for the Big Cottage.

Starting with the exterior, the team leaned heavily into the Los Angeles House aesthetic.  Sloping walls were incorporated and grounded in a heavy stone base to create a rugged atmosphere.  Contrasting the heaviness on the exterior, the interior draws in natural light and warmth via large triple glazed windows and utilises warm toned wood interior materials to reflect the light.  A complex warm skillion roof adds an air of spaciousness, while completing the thermal envelope to ensure the home is warm and efficient.

A High-Performance Roof by Design

The warm roof was constructed of a 140mm thick layer of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) whose raw face was used as the interior surface of the ceiling.  The warm, bright timber brought a lightness to the living space inside while the thickness provided a structurally sound base for the roof to be constructed upon.

Next a 90mm layer of PIR board was applied and covered by a waterproof membrane underlay, battens, and an exterior layer of steel roof tiles. Using a system of battens and counter-battens to create Above Sheathing Ventilation (ASV) which allows airflow between the underlay and the exterior tiles.

This design permits the passage of air between the exterior tiles and underlay, which dries any natural moisture accumulation and equalises the temperature and humidity between the exterior of the house and the inner roof.  This holistic warm roof design allows the roof to be incredibly efficient in keeping warmth inside the building while allowing for a heightened ceiling which adds to the overall visual effect of the interior.

The roof design was heavily influenced by aesthetics. “From an architectural point of view, the roof is the 5^th wall.  It’s just as important as the walls and it heavily influences the look and feel of the project.” Bob explains.  This is why Gerard’s Senator pressed steel tile was chosen as the roofing material. Its irregular pattern and gentle mottled colouring added to the organic feel of the exterior while leaning into the inspiration of the Los Angeles house with its cedar shingle roof.  A nod to Japan was incorporated with a small upturn at the edges of the roof, reminiscent of Japanese temple architecture.

Once a material was proposed for this build, the team had to ensure it held its own in terms of sustainability.  Like many metals, steel is able to be recycled time and again without any degradation to its properties.  Gerard’s roof tiles have a core of 0.39mm thick steel, meaning any offcuts made during the installation process and the entire roof at the end of its lifespan can be melted down and remade into new products. Gerard also enjoys ISO 14001 accreditation, giving peace of mind that an effective environmental management system is in place for the manufacture of their tiles.

The Christchurch earthquake saw a shift to lightweight roof designs. “The earthquakes changed our choices as we’d never do a heavy roof now.” Bob explains of his decision-making process, “A light roof was always going to be the way to go, in terms of earthquakes, mass is your enemy”.

The interlocking design of Gerard’s roof tile creates a strong single structural unit intrinsically safer and sturdier than loose concrete tiles of the past.  The benefit of going with a steel tile roof is the reduction in building materials required to support the roof “If you’ve got a heavy roof, you’re inherently going to have to have a heavier wall structure and bracing to support the roof.” Bob says.

Designing for Comfort in Every Season

The overall roof design is a key element in ensuring energy efficiency and liveability in the home.  The design of the Big Cottage utilises a clever roofing feature to minimise overheating in the warmer months. An engawa, a roofed verandah-like structure that wraps around the building was designed, leaning on Japanese architectural practises.

“The engawa really is fundamental.  It’s crucial in preventing overheating.”  Bob explains “It’s actually quite easy to do a warm home, but it’s more difficult to make it so that it’s not going to be too hot in summer, and the engawa is essential in preventing that overheating by blocking the midsummer midday sun on the north side, and allowing enough sun to come in during the winter when the sun is at a lower angle.”  Nestled into the engawa roof is a large skylight, positioned to allow light into the kitchen and dining area where more natural light is needed, further reducing the power demand on the home.

Sustainable Living in Every Detail

Additional features are peppered throughout this project such as rainwater harvesting off the roof.  From a Superhome perspective, this is a must-have. “It’s so easy to do and doesn’t cost a lot, so you might as well make use of the water.” Bob says of rainwater harvesting “We’re using it as irrigation for the garden as a minimum. Then the next step is to plumb it in to flush the toilets because in the average home half the water is flushed down the toilet.”

Gerard’s steel tiles are an ideal fit for this feature, as both smooth and textured finishes are safe for rainwater harvesting.  Additionally, all Superhomes are outfitted with solar panels to ensure energy is being captured and utilised within the home. Gerard has an innovative bracketing system which allows solar panels to be mounted with brackets hooked under roofing panels to eliminate the need for roof penetrations which may cause degradation of the roof over time.

The project now stands completed with Vickie and John enjoying their new home. And showing their passion in furthering the education around sustainability and a better way of building, they’ve since had the annual Superhome Tour feature their home as a stop – the same tour they took before building the Big Cottage. Bob reflects on the project “It was a privilege to work on it and work with John and Vickie. They loved their house and at the end of the day that’s the ultimate reward for us.”.

Architect: Bob Burnett Architecture
Photography:  Lightforge
Roof Manufacturer: Gerard

The post The Big Cottage with a Small Footprint appeared first on Completehome.

Blending durability with contemporary style, Gerard’s latest roof panel, Calibre, played a central role in the home’s transformation — proving that technical performance and striking visual impact can work seamlessly together, even in the most demanding coastal environments.

Case Study: Modernising a Beachfront Home

In the midst of Mt Maunganui’s busy main street is an unassuming glass door leading upstairs to a small studio space.  Bright yellow splashes of colour create a vibrant atmosphere in the entry hall where a feature wall is decorated with building designs and concepts.  This is the home of ATA – a New Zealand-based architectural design studio, headed by Adam Taylor.

For the past 12 years Adam has been at the helm of his own studio, first under the name Adam Taylor Architecture, which then rebranded to ATA.  The foundation of ATA’s style is built on equilibrium, drawing in all the elements of design to create a balanced rhythm within each project. This design ethos is paired with a sense of freshness, with each plan bringing in new elements and inspirations to round out the vision.

ATA’s design is widely recognised, with appearances in national architectural publications and multiple awards adorning the office. The team of 5 are proud of their achievements, as Adam reflects, “Weve been lucky enough to win a few national awards through ADNZ. It’s great to get recognition for the work you’ve done, for both yourself and for the team.”

Addressing Coastal Challenges

A prominent project ATA has been working on is the remediation of an existing beachfront property in Mt Maunganui.  The client and her builder reached out to Adam to look at options for upgrading the appearance and performance of the structure which was struggling to cope with the property’s environmental conditions.

The project evolved throughout the design process, ending up with a full reclad of the first floor, redesigned deck and balustrades, and a complete rework of the roof.  The original roof was a concrete tile design, with a large stainless steel fascia.  The roof planes and valleys channelled water through to internal gutters which were undersized for the roof capacity in particularly heavy downpours.  This ultimately led to water-ingress issues over time.

The new roof design increased the internal gutter size and spouting, allowing for a larger water capacity which protected the roof structure from flooding.  The increased internal gutter size created a larger overhang of the eaves, placing a greater visual impact on the roof and the roof design.

Inviting natural light

Light flow was integral to the home’s design.  Windows in the northwest and beach-facing walls are accompanied by skylights and a gable-end window in the roof to allow for a natural glow throughout the house.  The original building design had a prominent chimney obstructing the gable end window, and Adam’s redesign removed this to allow for greater light balance in the living space.  Complementing the natural light flow, the home features a warm roof design which is accentuated with a geometric angled ceiling.  This ceiling creates a subtle texture to an otherwise minimalist room.

Choosing the right materials

Key to the brief, the client wanted a refreshed, modern roof while still retaining the home’s timeless nature.  Adam explains, “In terms of where we wanted to go architecturally, we wanted something that was regular, rectangular and quite striking.  We’d been referencing images of slate roofs, but we just didn’t have the ability to be able to absorb a weight like that, so that’s where a steel tile really comes into its own in terms of a project like this”.

Adam’s passion for new materials and designs led him to Gerard’s latest roof panel release, Calibre.  It had the style and look the client was looking for in the new roof, giving a luxurious and modern aesthetic to the project.

With a width of just over 1.3m, Calibre’s horizontal laying pattern allows for greater flexibility around penetrations, removing the need for backflashing up to the ridge.  Bringing the roofing tight in around penetrations, paired with Calibre’s panelled appearance brings a unique aesthetic to the roof planes. As Adam explains, “I like the fact that being a smaller module compared to your typical long run roofs, it breaks up the mass of the roof.”

A striking finish

Colour selection was crucial for the transformation of this home.  The original silver and grey fascia/roof combination was replaced by warm timber tones across the fascia.  A complementary ebony colour was chosen for the Calibre panels, introducing a striking modern look that retains the project’s timelessness.  Durability of the paint surface and colour in an aggressive environment so close to the coast is crucial for the project to have longevity.  Gerard’s Calibre panels are made of a thick steel core, protected by a zinc-aluminium alloy coating.  After forming, layers of UV stable colour and protective coatings are applied to ensure a clean, robust finish.

Calibre was designed with performance in mind, ideal for a location like Mt Maunganui that endures heavy wind-driven rain and exposure to harsh wind.  Calibre utilises a Concealed Fastening (CF) design, which hides fasteners from exposure underneath an interlocking nose to head lapping method.    This creates a strong matrix of panels, protected against wind and water ingress, delivering high functionality in an environment that demands it.

The project now stands finished, transforming a once ageing roof to a create a refined, welcoming home. Adam says, “Looking at the project now, I’m really happy with how the tile presents aesthetically and how it works with our direction architecturally.  I know the client’s really happy with the look, and the performance is there, so all around it’s been a great choice.”

Project credits

Architect: ATA
Roofing Installer: Roofing Systems
Roofing Manufacturer: Gerard
Photographer: Simon Devitt

For more information

Gerard

The post Elevating Coastal Living with a Modern Roof Transformation appeared first on Completehome.