Moutere Inlet House

Located along a waterfront region of the Tasman District, coastal breezes and beaches to the east within walkable distance, and the Moutere inlet to the west accessed via the backyard, this 270sqm four-bedroom home embraces and celebrates family life. Clad in cedar, the warmth of timber carries through the interior from the formal entry path decking, lined cathedral ceilings, floors, joinery, feature light fittings, across level entry thresholds to the more informal outdoor decking, and pedestrian gateway to the waterway inlet. Designed for an owner-builder client of Connell Architecture who was relocating to this sunlit section from Christchurch, the brief was for a 250-300sqm home to accommodate the changing and growing needs of their family and business, including a study and separate living area for the kids. Spread across 3 gabled pavillions, with a central linking pavilion, public and private living are respectfully separated in the layout. One pavilion houses the bedrooms, storage, wet areas, and the garage with a flexible third bay option. The second pavilion caters for the higher use kitchen, living and dining areas in an open plan arrangement with a secondary living area in behind. The third pavilion contains a separate media room between the two zones, which opens onto the partially covered outdoor deck and backyard, offering a variety of use of these spaces as the family’s needs change. The Master suite, deck, and family rooms each embrace views across the Moutere inlet in the foreground, to the Kahurangi National Park in the distance.