Mann House | Russell, Northland

Designed by Australian Architect James Grose, this stunning Bay of Islands home has an industrial feel in a rural setting.

The client required a holiday home that was beautiful enough to be considered a sculpture, environmentally friendly and functional enough to lock up and leave for months. This was achieved by cladding the exterior walls with corrugated iron and installing features like double glazing, wool insulation, and sustainable materials. All of these elements have come together to make “Te Whare Hoiho” both functional and easy on the environment.

The efficient structure, which is a series of repeating steel portal frames, creates a regular modular cladding system. The contemporary interior offers sea and rural views in all directions.

The design called for minimal earthworks with the idea that the construction and final building would touch the earth lightly. The structure was prefabricated in Auckland and transported to the Bay of Islands for connection to the concealed concrete piles.

Despite all challenges, this house has won national recognition for being an outstanding and innovative example of architecture and construction.

Engineer
PK Engineering

Photography
John Gollings