The site for this project is on the edge of the Opua Harbour, in the Bay of Islands. Based on the interconnecting armor of an armadillo, this house deals with fall across the site in two directions, by stepping down floor plates and roof forms to follow the natural contour of the site.

The three interconnecting roof forms are then pitched up towards the harbour and return down the east facade, providing a high internal ceiling volume, while maintaining standard glazing heights to the long face of the building.

The building footprint conforms to the narrow band between the setbacks from the waterline and the street. And with the harbour views to the east, the house has been planned with the living areas to the north and the services and bedroom areas to the south.