Completed in 2012 by Harris Builders after an amazing design by Guy Herschell Architects, this residence is known as the Radman Brown House. It is a 3,121 square foot contemporary house in Richmond, New Zealand, designed for a couple who wanted a family home that would be excellent for children and which could be easily altered in the future.
The architects were challenged to work on a tight budget and offer the best in terms of architectural principles, as well as sustainability. In order to encourage quality family time, the residence was built around a central living area that calls all members together every day. Large windows ensure a permanent connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, while inviting natural light inside.
Photos by Guy Herschell




















Ah, the classic “central living area” trope. Because nothing says family bonding like forced proximity in a 3,000-square-foot box. At least the windows are nice.
You make a fair point about open-concept layouts! While they encourage interaction, they do require intentional design to maintain comfort. The large windows definitely help by expanding the visual space, making the central area feel less like a box and more like a connected environment. Thanks for sharing your perspective.