b'pictures: Simon DevittDown a private lane at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac is a residence whose geometric structure is an architectural wonder.Thehomeisbuiltonasteeplysloping,trapezoidala Patz McGahey sculpture. Collected artworks, furniture section, boasting 15 magnificent native trees and withand lighting fixtures are featured throughout the home thesmallestoffootprintsforafoundation.Adding and bring a sense of personality to the spaces. to this complexity was the requirement that the structureJust off centre to the right, two doors of framed glasscontainlivingspacesandtwoofficeareasthatwerewithcedartransomsleadintoadualpurposeareadistinct and yet interconnected.the boardroom and dining room, used for meetingsArchitect Leo van Veenendaal and designer Paul Rosnelland meals. Both Eska and Ken work from homeEskaof van Veenendaal Rosnell Langley Architecture designedisabarristerandKenaclassicalguitaristandwriter.the house for Eska and Ken Hartdegen. Its structure is aTheywantedanintegratedinterior,whereofficeand series of linked blocks on three levels, with roof lines allliving areas overlapped and were interchangeable.angling downward by six degrees.We live everywhere and work everywhere, says Ken. StronggeometriclinesoverlapontheexterioroftheWe wanted a design where the rooms intersect and building,withmasonry,slattedtimberandpatinatedflow, but we also needed to create areas for privacy.copperpresentingadramaticvarietyoftexturesandSpaces in the house can be opened up and closed off colours on the faade. From the side, the angles are morewith sliding panels and bi-fold doors, linking rooms to visible, emphasised by the seams in the copper and aneach other and to the outdoors. In the dining/boardroom, angled pillar that anchors the front of the house.floor-to-ceilingwindowsopenouttothegardenof The architectural style is quite avant-garde, says Paul.native trees, with a mature kauri within arms reach the We wanted the interior to retain these simple forms, butprominentcenterpiece.Awaist-highglasspanelactswent for a more comfortable, modern classical approach.as a transparent safety wall, retaining the view. Louvred As the home doubles as a working office, we also had tobreezeways on either side can be opened to let in fresh air create a sophisticated, professional image. and birdsong when the doors are closed. An oversized timber door with opaque glass panels opensEskasofficeistotherightoftheboardroom,with onto the entryway, with polished kwila timber floors and adjacentstoragespaceforfiles.Eachofitswindows| 25'