‘Hilltop’ Architectural Masterpiece: MC Architecture Studio
“Diversity is a good characterisation of our practice,” says Max Capocaccia, Principal Architect at MC Architecture Studio. With a history of architecture in his family, Max established his own boutique studio in Christchurch in 2009. Since then, this award-winning firm has put diversity to the test, designing residential and commercial structures nationwide and internationally.
Combining energy efficient technologies, which are essential in good design, with a sense of artistry, Max’s latest award-nominated home sits atop Mount Pleasant and features magnificent views of the landscape and estuary. It was built by Nick Parsons of Parsons Construction and is nominated in the 2019 Registered Master Builders HOTY awards.
‘The Wall House’ is so named for its feature wall that creates a barrier between the street and the quiet seclusion the house enjoys. The homeowners didn’t want ‘standard’, Max says. “They wanted something spectacular.” And spectacular they got. “What I really wanted to do was create a journey from the street, through a small courtyard and into the house.”
As a result, visitors are treated to open spaces and, via grand amounts of glass, beautiful views. Informally separated into two living spaces, the day area is open to the surrounding environment and the more private, even conventional, night area, a place of enclosed comfort.
Max works closely with all his clients. He likes to show them the possibilities and together they find the right design. “It’s not my project; it’s our project.”
