Kawau Island House

Nestled on a clifftop above the stunning beach at Little Vivian Bay on Kawau Island, this contemporary house is designed to blend harmoniously with its surroundings. Inspired by mid-century modernist design, the house boasts a simple, rational, and rigorous layout, echoing the spirit of the original house built by the owner's grandfather. Constructed with sustainable Abodo timber cladding that merges seamlessly with the mature Kanuka forests, the house features a minimalist footprint with two sleeping pods at either end of a combined living, kitchen, and dining area. Large sliding glass walls offer stunning beach views, while bronze-coloured Kaynemail exterior curtains provide shade and reduce glare. The house is designed with offsite prefabrication and efficient assembly in mind, utilising engineered glue laminated pine for a low carbon footprint. The house collects its own water, and processes wastewater ensuring minimal environmental impact. The courtyard to the rear provides a sheltered, wind-protected space with breath-taking views through the central living space out to the water beyond. The seamless indoor-outdoor transition and thoughtful design make it a perfect holiday escape, while reflecting a deep historical and social connection to the land.