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Recessed into the Pohutukawa lined cliffs and appearing to effortlessly float upon the water’s edge of Auckland’s Herne Bay, stands the Boat House. Designed to provide the clients with a space to store and launch their boats from the base of their property, the Boat House offers an elegant solution to access and connection to the Waitemata Harbor.

Inspired by the traditional gable house, the Boat House is comprised of an asymmetrical form suited to house the client’s powerboat and Laser yacht fully rigged. The refined exterior material palette of dark corrugate cladding allows the building to respectfully integrate into the cliff’s edge, while the purpleheart hardwood decking effortlessly descends into the water’s edge.
Translucent cladding lines the front and rear of the building, emulating sails of a yacht when the doors are open, and subsequently a ships lantern when closed at night. The interior architecture of the boathouse is refined to elegantly integrate functionality and beauty within a maritime environment.
The interior is lined with Meranti ply and custom shelving, while laminated timber portal frames, reminiscent of typical boat construction visually define the ground floor boat storage from the mezzanine workspace.

Michael Cooper Architects
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Our Philosophy

At Michael Cooper Architects, innovation and pragmatism converge to redefine the essence of architectural excellence. Our approach to design is characterised by a fresh perspective that seamlessly integrates with our unwavering commitment to practical solutions throughout every project phase. This distinctive synergy sets us apart, not only in our ability to create exceptional buildings but also in our dedication to forging lasting relationships with clients and industry partners.

Our firm thrives on a culture of autonomy and empowerment, where individual contributions are not just encouraged but celebrated. In this collaborative environment, every team member plays a vital role, fostering a culture of openness and critical thinking that propels our design process to new heights of innovation and resilience.

At Michael Cooper Architects, we believe that with the right team, every design challenge becomes an opportunity, and the journey from concept to realization is not just achievable but immensely enjoyable. Join us on this exciting exploration where creativity meets practicality, and together, we build more than structures – we build lasting experiences.