Welcome to our June Newsletter - the month of May flew by so quickly - we missed it altogether!

If you missed our April newsletter click here...

We are very much enjoying being in touch with you each month and I have to say I love putting some of our favourite designs in architecture, interiors and landscaping together and sharing them with you  - we hope these excite you too!

June is certainly a great time to be planning ahead for your Spring renovation or building project - September will be here before we know it!

This month we have digressed a bit from the cube idea and followed a 'curvy' theme... There's no doubt that curves are particularly difficult to do well. Straight lines following a building envelope or design tend to give you your road map. So when it comes to thinking outside the square (or cube) and jumping into the curve - a lot of imagination and visualisation is required, not to mention bravado! Our two favourite designs by international architects are a statement in excellent design, to say the least. And a few years ago Chris was challenged by a very special client and friend to create her brief - curved rooflines in traditional Cambridge...which we have shown you this month.

As promised, I have completed my tile website and hope you will enjoy browsing through if you are thinking about a particular project. You can view these beautiful imported tiles on www.mytiles.co.nz.

We also have the first of our Cube Series online - 'Small Houses' by MacPherson Architecture Ltd. The Cube House 001  - we would love you to read about the special design features of this house. Perfect for your first home or beach house - uncomplicated and eco friendly! You can order these plans online for any small to medium section in NZ. As always, the final design is dependent on territorial authority and geotech requirements.

You have received this newsletter as you are a very valued friend, client or associate - thank you. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter again - please let us know by unsubscribing below.

Alternatively, we would love your feedback...let us know your thoughts by email. Or forward to a friend you think may be interested.

We look forward to bringing you more gorgeous 'stuff' next month....

Our very best wishes to you in great design and gracious living.

Chris and Robyn MacPherson

Architecture, Interior and Landscape Design

The Shell House

Using curved lines effectively in architecture is always a real skill and very often extremely difficult to achieve well. The Shell House designed by Japanese Architect Kotare Ide is famous for it's empathy with the environment and the home's beautiful lines. Constructed in reinforced concrete, two elliptical shells form this stunning holiday home. To see more click here

The Crescent House

This house designed by British architect Ken Shuttleworth is amazing. Simple and stunning, the architect uses curves based on the mathematical configuration of the crescent.The living areas form the front crescent and the back crescent holds the bedrooms with a very clever curved passageway adjoining these spaces. Lots of windows, light and tall spaces characterise this unique and stunning use of the curve in architecture.

The Togo suite in mandarin

Domo Collections tell me this is one of their most popular lounge suites. This classic is a licensed design and has been around for many years! It is unbelievably comfortable and extremely difficult to get out of! This suite can come to you in a choice of vibrant colours - chartreuse, purple and winter white.

To view more visit Domo Collections

You could be a fan of this!

This is another favourite from Domo Collections - Auckland and Christchurch. To view more...

Superb lines and fabulous curves...

We really love the panels in this chair and the traditional round arms. The clever combination of lines in the room is inspiring. Made in Italy by Angelo Cappellini - this beautiful chair can be covered in either leather or fabric. If you would like to see more visit Sarsfield Brooke...

Wallpapers are a fantastic idea...

Texture, pattern and this wonderful use of shape is just gorgeous - from Arte Collections by Unique Fabrics. We have a wonderful selection for you to browse through if you are thinking of renovating or re-decorating - the choice just gets more exciting!

The Egyptian touch.

This chair is from the Angelo Capellini range and can be completed in any finish or fabric. It comes with matching chairs and would certainly be a talking point for it's understated elegance and line.

The Classic Moorish Curve

The curve on the square is Moorish. And yes - we could have more of this...it's just so quaint and gorgeous. The key is - stay simple!

Round Pots - Circular table

These pots with their ivy surround are a great way to use texture in your garden and define your space. The table and chairs are from Domo Collections and have hand carved stone tops made in Italy. Again, there is a huge range of beautiful styles and finishes to choose from. If you would like more information - please email us...

Clever Curved Water Feature

Isn't this clever and fun - a wonderful contemporary way to use water. We think it would have been even more interesting if the roof had followed the same curved lines. What do you think?

Now for a bit of our news...

Our client's brief was for a curved roof - or two...and this was the end result of a lot of brainstorming!

This Cambridge home, built on an equestrian lifestyle block a few years ago now -  certainly has great presence! The colours are beautiful in the setting and the curved ceiling creates a wonderful sense of space. Chris loved the design process with our client - who's zaney personality and flair is reflected in this very special home. To view more...

Roofline accentuated by the skyline

Great spaces and visual impact are created through the vaulted curves and the vertical lines of Chris' trademark chimneys!

Curved Edge

This summer house, outdoor fireplace and pool was built two summers ago and we were a bit late getting recent photos for you but look forward to showing you again in Spring. The lines are simple and the planting of Magnolias and Star Jasmine is effective. The petal motif on the fence was taken from the existing leadlight feature of the house and carried into the garden design. Chris loves to extend a design feature throughout a concept and this has created a beautiful enclosure. View more...

Buxus curving the trees!

Chris and I travelled to Hawkes Bay to visit this garden he had designed 25 years ago! The low hedging is perfect for accentuating these beautiful trees with simple curved green lines encircling the hundred year old Oaks. To view more...

Follow the curves subtley...

This thumbnail image shows how detailing in the tiles create a mirror image following the line of the bench-top and extended bow-front table in this Matamata apartment. Here, Chris designed the bow-front kitchen bench unit to incorporate a table with three gorgeous dining chairs by Classique Furniture covered in Andrew Martin silk by Unique Fabrics. The tiling very skilfully executed by Malcolm Raynel from Matamata.

To view these beautiful Travertine Tiles, Mosaics and more -  visit our Inspiration Gallery at www.mytiles

Willowbrook Update - The Colonnade

Impossible to fit it all in one image - this deconstructed thumbnail shows the entrance to mirror- imaged colonnades attaching to the front East and West corners of the Willowbrook Park Manor House and leading to the Carriage House to the East and Chapel to the West. 

The vertical oval windows give glimpses in both directions to the circular driveway and the split level formal lawns. Scaled with the Manor House - 2.8 metres high and 3 metres wide this curved walkway will form a stunning link to all three buildings. It's the clients' appreciation of detail and authentic Georgian Architecture throughout the entire design and build process that characterises this unique project. To view more... I love the way the curved lines of the Colonnade form a welcoming introduction to the Manor House and will be a wonderful experience to walk beneath.

Follow our clients on their amazing Willowbrooke Park Blog...

Cube House 001 now online...

There are no curves in this one - but you may well be a square person - in which case, well done for getting to the bottom of the page!

This set of plans for our very first Cube House in the series - 'Small Houses' by MacPherson Architecture Ltd - is now ready for you to purchase online.  To read more about this simple yet dynamic home view here...

Please email us if you would like us to send you a copy of the floor plan.

Our newest project...

3-D renditions are a fantastic way to begin visualising your home - especially before the roof goes on.... The early stages of this model show the central living area and main lounge with bedrooms/bathrooms at each end accessed from the main gallery along the South side of the house. The conservatory and garages surround the front entry reflection pool. We will enjoy showing you the progress as this model develops and/or changes...Our client's brief is to create dynamic entry and shelter from the South. The H-configuration creates great flow. Definitely no curves here!