A new compact living pavilion designed by Dorrington Atcheson Architects in New Zealand defies its size thanks to plenty of glass and sliding doors — effortlessly connecting home and garden…
![Westmere Park Avenue by Dorrington Atcheson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect) Westmere Park Avenue by Dorrington Atcheson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/westmere-park-avenue/westmere-park-avenue-1.jpg)
![Westmere Park Avenue by Dorrington Atcheson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect) Westmere Park Avenue by Dorrington Atcheson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/westmere-park-avenue/westmere-park-avenue-2.jpg)
The site in Westmere sloped away from the street facade, with little connection to the backyard. While the exisiting bungalow and garage required updating to accommodate the needs of a young family and to maximise the outdoor living available.
![Westmere Park Avenue by Dorrington Atcheson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect) Westmere Park Avenue by Dorrington Atcheson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/westmere-park-avenue/westmere-park-avenue-3.jpg)
![Westmere Park Avenue by Dorrington Atcheson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect) Westmere Park Avenue by Dorrington Atcheson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/westmere-park-avenue/westmere-park-avenue-4.jpg)
The final design consists of four main elements:
The original house now houses three bedrooms, a generous family bathroom and a second open living space/playroom for the children.
![Westmere Park Avenue by Dorrington Atcheson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect) Westmere Park Avenue by Dorrington Atcheson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/westmere-park-avenue/westmere-park-avenue-5.jpg)
A living pavilion with extensive north-facing glazed sliders. This pavilion is linked to the bedroom block via a glazed sloping link. It i compact, yet highly functional and provides an all year round connection to the backyard.
![Westmere Park Avenue by Dorrington Atcheson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect) Westmere Park Avenue by Dorrington Atcheson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/westmere-park-avenue/westmere-park-avenue-6.jpg)
The timber shelving divider houses storage for the kitchen and a satellite desk on one side and the tv, stereo and bookshelves on the living room side. A built in window seat and freestanding fireplace complete the space.
![Westmere Park Avenue by Dorrington Atcheson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect) Westmere Park Avenue by Dorrington Atcheson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/westmere-park-avenue/westmere-park-avenue-7.jpg)
The kitchen features black and white railway tiles and gaboon ply cabinetry. Across the courtyard the original garage has been repurposed into a flexi-room for music, art, play and study.
![Westmere Park Avenue by Dorrington Atcheson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect) Westmere Park Avenue by Dorrington Atcheson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/westmere-park-avenue/westmere-park-avenue-8.jpg)
The courtyard itself is a continuation of the living pavilion and flexi-room which both open seamlessly onto this sun trap.
![Westmere Park Avenue by Dorrington Atcheson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect) Westmere Park Avenue by Dorrington Atcheson Architects (via Lunchbox Architect)](https://media.lunchboxarchitect.com/fit-in/540x540/featured/westmere-park-avenue/westmere-park-avenue-9.jpg)
The addition is in an unapologetically modern style with band-sawn ply and aluminium joinery in contrast to the traditional weatherboard house. While it's not a huge extension, it has dramatically transformed the liveability of this home.