Oneroa House Retreat

‘Oneroa House Retreat’ was designed to take advantage of the views without sacrificing protection and refuge from the elements. Utilising the masonry structure and garage slab from the previous house, the lower level nestles into the landscape, from which the master suite and main living areas hover above, stepping up to further elevate the southeast kitchen, dining and outdoor room. The cedar façade is punctuated by copper clad window boxes that also provide unexpected sight lines down to the picturesque bay. Contrasting the timber is insitu concrete walls protecting against the southern conditions. An intermediate zone is employed comprising an outdoor room, garden courtyard, and bathroom unified under a skillion roof sloping down the length of the building to the north west. Fresh air is circulated through louvres and high-level operable windows while being paired with an internal planted breezeway to help precondition the air. This allows the space to breathe as well as bringing in the beauty and feeling of having plants up against the building.