“This house has been designed as a celebration of a Mt Maunganui lifestyle,” says architectural designer Jason MacDonald. “Situated on a full site, one street back from the beach, it is the primary residence for a professional couple and their late-teen aged children.”

Jason says the initial design phase began back in 2017 when there was an existing house on the site, which dips away from the street frontage.

“In response to the topography and in deference to the views towards Mt Maunganui itself, the house steps down the slope, with an unobstructed visual corridor from front to back.

“The sophisticated modern cedar exterior and dark accents—anchored by a concrete, tilt-panel wall—create an alluring street appeal that invites you to explore further.”

With all of the social spaces situated on the ground floor, circulation is free-flowing from the entry out onto a large, protected outdoor room at the rear of the property. A true chef’s kitchen, complete with high-quality appliances and oversized butler’s pantry, lies at the heart of the home.

“In keeping with the slope, the floor steps down but the ceiling plane remains continuous all the way through, opening up sightlines as you are led further into this expansive, yet intimate, home.

“The design is the result of a refined and innovative process, coupled with masterful craftsmanship and an absolute refusal to compromise on quality.”

The coastal surroundings provided inspiration for the material palette, says Jason.

“Vertical cedar cladding has been given a natural stain so that as it weathers over time, it will develop a patina much like the look of driftwood. Likewise, much of the palette was about setting up a light and airy, coastal feel, which we have then expressed both externally and internally.

“This pared-back palette, precise attention to detail, custom-made organic fixtures and cleverly contrasting natural elements enhance the home's warm, light-filled aesthetic. Concrete feature walls, polished to a smooth sheen, are an unexpected yet stunning contrast to the cedar walls and oak cabinetry. Each bespoke feature has a story to tell, from the imported Turkish wall tiles, aged-brass fittings and porcelain benches, to the hand-blown glass light fittings.”

The site runs east-west so the floor plan has been arranged to make the most of passive environmental design principles. This includes siting the staircase on the north-facing boundary.

“We try to take all the fundamental ESD considerations into account, which includes looking to maximise northern glazing. In this case, that meant incorporating double-height glazing to the stairwell, which allows natural light to flood the void. This openness is echoed by the crisp white, open-tread staircase that leads the home occupants to the upper level, dedicated to retreat and restful sleep spaces.

“Similarly, the concrete wall is not only an aesthetic element, it also acts as a heat sink, absorbing warmth throughout the day and then releasing it throughout the night, maintaining a constant temperature all through the year. The fireplaces are the only active heating elements in the house and even they are more aesthetic than practical.”

National finalist residential interior category at the 2020 ADNZ awards.

Construction: JC Builders
Interior: Gezellig Interiors

Words by Justin Foote.
Photography by Oliver Road / Luxury Real Estate