Named after the birds and the trees - Kōtare Grove sits on the edge of the Rangitahi Peninsula in Raglan, overlooking the weaving estuary and rolling hills.

The front exterior provides a subtle glimpse of the tranquil vantage ahead, through raking windows and long external corridors leading directly through the house to the deck. The front entrance dips down, inviting you toward the view before revealing itself in mass from inside the doorway.

The north-west facing site offers generous open living spaces that catch the dancing light throughout the day. The 92m² decking runs the length of the living pavilion, providing fluidity between the indoor and outdoor. The floor to ceiling stacking sliders frame large pockets of the view while textural elements such as the Abodo timber and concrete juxtapose the soft, coastal interior elements. What’s achieved is a real sense of retreat and repose; whether enjoying the sun or retracting from the conditions. A flush, hidden door to the bathroom adds to the seamlessness of this expansive living space.

Despite the substantial square footage, Kōtare Grove houses only two sleeping quarters at either end of the home. The south wing is accessed via an external corridor, capturing the essence of beach side living while offering privacy for guests. At the north end, a private balcony extends from the primary ensuite giving an intimate viewpoint of the estuary from the stand alone bath.

We thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with Architecto principal Paul Crawford alongside our dedicated client to create something enduring to celebrate this remarkable site.