Mahia Beach House by Julian Guthrie Architecture

Mahia Beach House

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The house is located on a remote coastal site and has vast ocean views to the north and east but is also very exposed to storms from these directions. The design concept is a low single level home wrapped around a sheltered central courtyard space. The building is a modern interpretation of a pa, with a continuous series of timbered screens fortifying the house when in closed position. This idea is both a gesture to the remote headland position, and a practical method to protect the building, both when unoccupied, and in use from the weather experienced. The courtyard functions as both an outdoor living space and a circulation space to all the parts of the house. All major rooms connect directly to both the exterior and to the internal courtyard. This provides sun into all parts of the house from varying orientations throughout the day and sheltered openings in all wind directions. All external and internal doors are sliding, permitting varying degrees of openness and filtering of wind and sun through the slatted external screens. Interior spaces read as alcoves off the courtyard rather than separate rooms, blurring the distinction between interior and exterior. The building materials palette comprises polished concrete, natural timber and rendered masonry. Photography by: Patrick Reynolds.

The house is located on a remote coastal site and has vast ocean views to the north and east but is also very exposed to storms from these directions. Read more

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remote coastal open plan natural palette contemporary modern julian guthrie architecture

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Julian Guthrie Architecture

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A modern coastal residence designed around a sheltered courtyard, featuring timbered screens for weather protection and seamless indoor-outdoor living, utilizing polished concrete, natural timber, and rendered masonry.

The house is located on a remote coastal site and has vast ocean views to the north and east but is also very exposed to storms from these directions.

The design concept is a low single level home wrapped around a sheltered central courtyard space. The building is a modern interpretation of a pa, with a continuous series of timbered screens fortifying the house when in closed position. This idea is both a gesture to the remote headland position, and a practical method to protect the building, both when unoccupied, and in use from the weather experienced.

The courtyard functions as both an outdoor living space and a circulation space to all the parts of the house. All major rooms connect directly to both the exterior and to the internal courtyard. This provides sun into all parts of the house from varying orientations throughout the day and sheltered openings in all wind directions.

All external and internal doors are sliding, permitting varying degrees of openness and filtering of wind and sun through the slatted external screens. Interior spaces read as alcoves off the courtyard rather than separate rooms, blurring the distinction between interior and exterior.

The building materials palette comprises polished concrete, natural timber and rendered masonry.

Photography by: Patrick Reynolds.

43.4K85h 21m

Awards

2013

local award for architecture - Gisborne/Hawkes Bay Branch

NZIA

2013

Awardlocal award for architecture - Gisborne/Hawkes Bay Branch

OrganisationNZIA

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Professional Reviews

1 / 5

“We have been clients of Julian Guthrie for approximately 20 years, within which period of time he has designed both renovations and new homes for us. The briefs have all been very different (including a new home, new beach house, and major renovation). Without exception, the results have all exceeded our expectations. Throughout the foregoing projects, Julian has also played an integral role in the management of planning requirements, and in the case of our home in Herne Bay, that process involved the complexity of obtaining consents to incorporate a character villa with additions that complemented the original home. His advice through that process, in addition to the design undertaken by him, was invaluable. In terms of that design work, we have no reservation in recommending Julian. He is an excellent communicator, and very skilled at translating a brief from a husband and wife (who do no always agree) into an outcome with which we have both been very happy. Our homes are personal to us, but undoubtedly a testament to Julian’s skills. Julian was also retained by my law firm to re-design and refit our offices. The offices are located in a challenging heritage building in the central business district. He had to take on board a number of individuals’ and personalities’ requirements in the brief. The end product, achieved in a very short duration, on budget, is outstanding. His relationship with the contractors on site was very good, all issues being resolved between them, with little input from us as clients in that process. That was of enormous value to us as busy professionals. We therefore have no hesitation in recommending Julian Guthrie and his team.”

Stephen Langton