My Space: Architect David Simiona on the place that inspires him.

Architect David Simiona finds a secret slice of green on Auckland’s city fringe to create a home for his family

Describe the space: “This room is part of our house. When I returned from my OE in the 1990s, with Sondra, now my wife, we lived in the same neighbourhood; its urban nature and proximity to the city appealed. After several house moves and now with kids in tow, the opportunity arose for us to buy this heavily treed, heritage zoned, sloping rear site with access via a timber plank that crossed a creek. It was a chance to make spaces to suit our family’s lifestyle that used the site’s uniqueness, captured the sun, let the green in and maintained privacy from the neighbours.” What inspires you about this space? “The room is elevated amongst the tree foliage, uses the golden ratio to establish its volume and opens to a northern wall of green, as do most of the rooms of the house. Opening the doors lets the sounds of nature in: the trickle of water in the creek below and birdsong, particularly in spring when the tui are half cut from nectar. It’s inspiring to return to our calm green haven after leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind. The photo-bomber is Rex.” What is important to you as an architect? “At my partnership practice, we talk about ‘giving people room’ by being conscious (of surroundings and other people), being decisive (resolve challenges promptly), being economical (through good design), being flexible (keep your options open) and being generous (quality not quantity). Think about the effect on the environment when building and what that means to future generations. Quality is the key.”