By Architecture Bureau
After initially planning to use the rear house as a holiday home the clients decided to make the mount their permanent home. The client’s brief was for a liveable and relaxed beach house that made the most of the dramatic ocean views. Visually striking, the sharp charcoal exterior links the new building both to the original cottage and the newer holiday house behind. From the street an established pohutukawa tree remains the dramatic focus. This tree has been an integral part of the character of the site throughout both stages of development and the newest phase of building remains respectful of it.
The single level design is kept intentionally relaxed. Utilising raw unfinished materials, the decor is kept simple and natural. Products were chosen to showcase a smart, robust and sustainable coastal home. It has a sophisticated vibe suited for entertaining. Best of all, the promise of the spectacular sea view is fully realised. Expansive glass windows run full height across the front of the property allowing for an ever changing vista from dawn to dusk.
With a feel that is low key and unpretentious, this is a beautiful coastal home that celebrates its prime location while retaining an authentic charm fused with modern comfort.
Footnote: *The original cottage sits enjoying a well-deserved ‘retirement’ in its latest guise as a fishing cabin along the shores of the Tongariro River.
We believe people are at the heart of design, and bringing great design to our clients and communities we work with is our ultimate goal. Our practice is inspired by developing innovative ideas that are generated from the positive relationships with our clients. We also endeavour to ensure the experience of working with us is satisfying and memorable.
We remain flexible and communicative throughout the entire design and construction process to ensure that our design solutions reflect the needs and desires of our clients. We believe the creation of a design solution is not a solitary stoke of genius: but the result of a process that involves early ideas being tested, discussed, drawn and modelled, then re-considered and re-developed, to create a unique project that suits our clients’ brief and location.
The successful delivery of a project is not only possible by innovative design but includes sound technical solutions, thorough comprehensive documentation and strong collaborative relationships with fellow consultants and contractors. We receive consistent praise from contractors and consultants about our documentation, which results in fewer on-site variations and more control of the final project cost.
Our practice endeavours to focus attention on every detail throughout a project, and our work ranges in scale, type and budget.
Architecture Bureau Ltd is a Practice Member of the New Zealand Institute of Architects.