The owners of this site in Omarino, Bay of Islands, were looking for a large family compound that would serve three generations of their family. They commissioned Simon Carnachan to design this vision, in one of his last projects before retirement.

The complex is designed to give each family privacy while giving all of the dwellings magnificent views of the Bay of Islands. It is built around a pool and entertainment area which boasts a communal kitchen and dining area.

The buildings are clad in cedar. The roofs are covered in eurotray and all windows have sliding shutters, giving privacy and allowing light to filter through during the day. The floors and courtyard feature terrazzo tiles that were locally made to the owners’ specifications. The manicured lawns, golf green and international sized tennis court are flanked by native bush which ensures privacy for the families.

This complex was described as a world-class build by judges who awarded the holiday home the supreme award in the Auckland RMB’s House of the Year Competition.

Architect: Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects.

Engineer: PK Engineering.

Photography: William Lindesay / RMB.