Located beside the Waimea Estuary, this house has been designed to create a warm contemporary family home. The house is set out on an east - west axis to maximise northern sunlight penetration, which is controlled with louvres and overhangs.

The planning has allowed for the creation of three outdoor areas, each with their own unique identity through finishes and planting. These are sunny and sheltered from the predominate winds.

The garage is linked to the house with a feature pergola and together with an underlit decorative pool, accentuates the entrance. A full height red door punches through the cedar cladding into the main living area, which is open plan and flows seamlessly out to the terraces adjacent. A smaller 'snug' living space provides an intimate sitting area. Located upstairs is the master bedroom that opens to its own balcony with expansive westerly views of the estuary.

Built in natural materials including vertical cedar, local stone, Lawson's Cypress, and copper details, it will weather and age gracefully. Sustainable features such as solar hot water, thick insulation, polished concrete floors which store the sun's warmth and LED lighting have been used extensively.

The combination of materials, lighting and landscaping is successful in providing the perfect setting to enhance the owners' lifestyle and a wonderful backdrop for entertaining family and friends.

Photography by Elspeth Collier.