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Backing onto Milford Marina, Omana House was commissioned to take advantage of the owners’ passion for sailing and connection to the water. The opportunity for a complete rebuild of the existing dwelling provided the owner with inspiration for an ambitious new home that would reach out toward the water.

Limited opportunity for new foundations meant that the building features a dramatic living space cantilevering toward the marina, enclosed by three walls of full height glazing. The brief was to optimise the connection with the water and take advantage of its privileged location.

The previous building featured narrow hallways and awkwardly shaped rooms, this was instead replaced by bright, generous spaces which showcase the impressive steel bones of the building. An exposed steel beam acts as the spine of the home with visible steel portals proudly supporting the highly insulated building envelope.

Beautifully crafted cedar cladding cleanly and seamlessly wraps around the building’s form, meeting the raw, natural texture of solid schist. Invisible connections and clean lines allow the building’s own structure and materials to speak for themselves. The craft and attention dedicated to the interior is a continuation of the careful detailing that defines this home.

About the
Professional

 EA Designer is a small collaborative architectural and interior design practice based in Auckland. The studio’s approach is focused around client, designer and contractors working together to create bespoke, contextual design with a strong focus on sustainability and practicality.

With experience spanning from heritage buildings to modern residences, we have worked on a wide range of residential and light commercial architecture and interiors, collaborating with many talented architects to realise creative and innovative designs.

Working closely with select builders, a critical knowledge and experience dealing with practicality of construction means that each design is conceived and developed with execution in mind.

Eric Abba, BAS, MArch Prof. - Architectural Designer
"Each new residential project begins with a careful investigation of the site, observing and documenting what makes the site unique. This allows the design to respond to its environment in a way that is sympathetic and at the same time embodies the values of its users.

I believe that attention to detail and the ability to create a space that embraces and enhances its context is what defines great architecture. "