ELBOW ARCHITECTS
ABOUT
At Elbow, we couple inventive design with a relatable and transparent process that takes you from the initial concept through to your completed building.
Julia Mercer established Elbow Architects in 2019 after a successful career in New Zealand and abroad. Her experience is focused on individual residential and commercial projects, working for award winning architectural companies.
Elbow takes a contemporary and inventive approach when developing you a unique building. We impart strong sustainable considerations into our designs to create a forward looking, effective and efficient building. We take a particular focus on responding to the landscape, environment and your individual needs.
Above all, we make the process seamless and positive, removing the worry and giving you confidence in your decisions.
We work throughout New Zealand, with a focus on Auckland, Christchurch, and Central Otago.
We would love the chance to chat to you during a free consultation meeting about how we can bring your dreams to reality.
Julia Mercer
Director
Registered Architect | NZIA
LEED Accredited
PORTFOLIO
An extension and full renovation to a 1980’s cottage.
An extension and full renovation to a 1980’s cottage.
A modern take on a traditional villa, this family homes reaches out into the land. It makes full use of the site, while being respectful of neighbours and their views. This home embraces the site while also providing sun and views into all interior spaces.
A modern take on a traditional villa, this family homes reaches out into the land. It makes full use of the site, while being respectful of neighbours and their views. This home embraces the site while also providing sun and views into all interior spaces.
A family home that steps into the hillside, reflecting the site contours and diminishing the vertical mass of the home. Designed to capture views, maximise all day sun, while also controlling heat and energy efficiency.
A family home that steps into the hillside, reflecting the site contours and diminishing the vertical mass of the home. Designed to capture views, maximise all day sun, while also controlling heat and energy efficiency.
On a street corner overlooking the beach, this home addresses future adaptability, energy efficient design strategies, and has carefully considered design elements to fit within the existing scale and grain of the built and natural environment.
On a street corner overlooking the beach, this home addresses future adaptability, energy efficient design strategies, and has carefully considered design elements to fit within the existing scale and grain of the built and natural environment.
A contemporary interpretation of a Wanaka crib. Adaptable spaces allow for ultimate flexibility and privacy for an expanding multi-generational family.
A contemporary interpretation of a Wanaka crib. Adaptable spaces allow for ultimate flexibility and privacy for an expanding multi-generational family.
A renovation and extension to a state home which is sympathetic to the existing home and landscape.
A renovation and extension to a state home which is sympathetic to the existing home and landscape.
This family home was designed for a unique lifestyle block in Northland, with as little impact to the land as possible. The design captures the requirements of an active family, requiring flexible and adaptable spaces – while also creating peace and warmth and, most importantly, a sense of “home”.
This family home was designed for a unique lifestyle block in Northland, with as little impact to the land as possible. The design captures the requirements of an active family, requiring flexible and adaptable spaces – while also creating peace and warmth and, most importantly, a sense of “home”.
A crib reminiscent of DOC huts and miners' cottages
A crib reminiscent of DOC huts and miners' cottages
An intimate courtyard and double height living space encased in windows draws the outside in on this tight urban section. The design allows for openness, while still providing privacy from the street.
An intimate courtyard and double height living space encased in windows draws the outside in on this tight urban section. The design allows for openness, while still providing privacy from the street.
Designed to take full advantage of the views over a leafy ravine, while providing warmth, yet privacy to the street frontage. This home is located in Edmonton, Canada, and was designed while at Alloy Homes Incorporated. Photos by Alloy Homes.
Designed to take full advantage of the views over a leafy ravine, while providing warmth, yet privacy to the street frontage. This home is located in Edmonton, Canada, and was designed while at Alloy Homes Incorporated. Photos by Alloy Homes.
INITIAL CONSULTATION
DESIGN
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PRE DESIGN
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CONCEPT DESIGN
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DEVELOPED DESIGN
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DETAILED DESIGN
CONSTRUCTION
COMPLETION
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CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
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PROJECT OBSERVATION