House looking over the Waitematā Harbour

The house in Herne Bay is on a north-facing slope, looking out over Herne Bay towards the Waitematā Harbour. The site is zoned 'Residential 2', which recognises the significant heritage and character of the area. An empty site presented a rare opportunity for a contemporary re-conception of the Villa archetype that typified the surroundings. The house in Herne Bay integrates contemporary New Zealand ideals, design and construction whilst maintaining much of the language and posture of the well-mannered Villa.

This contemporary concrete construct is sculpturally formed over three levels: the garaging excavated below; the upper level sits recessively beneath a hipped roof; the horizontal composition of weatherboard-impressed concrete fins boldly expresses the mid-level. The fins abstract the traditional street verandah whilst controlling privacy and filtering light into the spaces within.

The programme is arranged around a central northern positioned exterior core. This strategy orientates the house towards the sun, provides outdoor living, a view of the Waitematā beyond and creates a vertical link between all levels of the dwelling. Whilst the living spaces are open to the exterior core, bespoke cabinetry and fireplaces curate a variety of interior spaces. Living areas are grand yet intimate, much like the street-facing rooms of the traditional Villa. 

Designers: Daniel Marshall, Mike Hartley, David Edwards, Cameron Pollock, Hana Scott
Photographer: Simon Devitt