The Situation
Located in the heart of Grey Lynn, Light Catcher is a thoughtful alteration to a classic villa, designed to transform a tight, south-facing site into a calm and light-filled retreat. The new L-shaped layout is built around a shallow reflection pond, drawing light and movement into the home’s core. Long internal sightlines, varied volumes, and clerestory glazing facing north and west make full use of natural light, while also respecting the compact urban context.
The result is a serene, spatially rich environment—balancing traditional materials with modern form.
The Challenge
A key design driver for Architecture firm José Gutierrez Ltd was maintaining a clear architectural expression of the home’s striking pitched roof. This was achieved by introducing a low-profile mid-level roofline to visually elevate the pitched volume above. To support this aesthetic, a membrane system was needed that could perform reliably on low-pitch surfaces—without compromising long-term weatherproofing.
Site constraints required a cold roof build-up with integrated ventilation. In addition, the team sought clean detailing and durable materials that would streamline the construction process while meeting performance expectations.
The Solution
The Nuraply 3PM 2-layer membrane system was selected for its ability to deliver high performance on low-slope timber substrates—making it an ideal choice for the low-profile rooflines in this design. The system’s CodeMark certification gave the project team added confidence in meeting compliance and durability standards.
To accommodate the cold roof design, Nuravents were used to ensure consistent airflow through the roof cavity—an essential element in moisture management and long-term system health. The roofing system was completed with custom scuppers for effective drainage and Nuraglaze to deliver a refined, watertight finish at key junctions.
The build was completed in 2023 with minimal challenges, thanks to the simplicity of the detailing and the coordinated use of traditional materials such as concrete cladding and timber substrates.
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