Mount Maunganui Beach.

The owners of this property at Mount Maunganui bucked convention when building their holiday house as they wanted a home that, rather than focus on the ocean, offered them a place to retreat to and that encouraged spending quality time with family and friends.

Situated one row back from the beach, the site has direct water access, although views are only accessible from the second floor, due to there being another property in front.

The clients, who have owned the property for a number of years, had a goal to create a new home that is more 'beach cabin' than 'beach house' and which, while not enirely turning it's back on the water, was more focused on creating contemplative spaces.

Rather than place the living area upstairs to incorporate the views, we concentrated on maximising the relationship between the house and the site—choosing to create a series of indoor and outdoor spaces built around the idea of a communal, shared experience that would serve the owners all-year round.

Outdoor spaces celebrate all that summer brings, while the indoor spaces have been designed with warmth and comfort in mind—perfect for those winter weekends when the weather forces you indoors.