202542-JORJAS PROJECT
Jorja is a young intern, engaging in work experience after finishing her NZDAT at Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec). She was given a concise brief for a 150 sqm floor plan, Jorja independently designed the initial layout and then worked closely with the Architectural Design Ltd team to develop and complete the overall form. The project is now progressing into the next stage, focusing on the feel of the home through interior realisation using VR and web-based panoramas, which is yet to be developed. Notably, the kitchen and dining areas feature a raking ceiling that aligns with the exterior covered area, while the 3 m-high garage ceiling has been cleverly resolved through setback walls to maintain consistent roof planes throughout the design.
[Image: Jorjas PROJECT Floor PLAN.]
The floor plan demonstrates a well-resolved and logical layout for a compact 150 sqm home, with a clear separation between living and sleeping zones. The open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area forms a strong social heart of the house, with excellent connection to the covered outdoor area, supporting indoor–outdoor living and everyday usability. Circulation is efficient, with minimal wasted hallway space, and the central bathroom and WC are well positioned to serve both bedrooms and living areas without compromise to privacy. The alignment of the raking ceiling through the kitchen and dining into the exterior covered area reinforces spatial continuity and elevates the architectural experience, while the clever use of setback walls in the garage allows for a generous 3 m ceiling height without disrupting the overall roof form. Overall, the plan reads as considered and mature, balancing practicality, proportion, and architectural intent in a way that exceeds expectations for an early-career designer.