Two View House

Designed for a couple with adult children who had recently moved north from Wellington. The brief called for a collection of ‘sheds’, one for living, one for sleeping and one for guests. It was very important to the owners that the house ‘sit well to the land’ and make the most of the spectacular coastal and rural views offered by the site. They wanted the house to be informal and to be able to live in a relaxed way, with the simplicity of a bach.
The south facing site was heavily affected by an adjacent ridgeline to the north. In addition, it had a building height restriction plane imposed over it. This necessitated that the house be positioned in a ‘sweet spot’ both horizontally and vertically on the site, which allowed the full potential of the stunning coastal views over Bream Bay, the Hen and Chicken/Marotere Islands and Waipu Cove to be realised. It also facilitated all day winter sun into the house without compromising privacy from neighbours to the east. The floor level and roof line is set so that the house fits under the height restriction plane with millimetres to spare.
Conceived as a ‘long house’ straddling the natural contour of the site on an east/west axis. The living and sleeping wings are linked under a covered breezeway. Steps and decks running up the natural contour bisect the house on a north/south axis to form entry and access to the north lawn. This arrangement allows unimpeded sea views from the living wing and east facing covered deck with snippet rural views to the south. This is reversed in the sleeping wing with extensive rural views and snippet sea views to the east. The guest wing is placed under the sleeping wing with immediate connection to the site via a private courtyard on the west. Covered car and boat parks are created under the living wing and breezeway.
Local rural vernacular architecture is referenced with the selection of prefinished horizontal profiled metal cladding especially on the south and west facing elevations where it offers a low maintenance, naturally rain-washed solution. Vertical Cedar cladding with a natural oil stain finish is used in areas around the north and east facing decks, where its tactile qualities can be enjoyed, it is protected by eaves and can be easily maintained if required.
Environmental credentials of this house include; double glazing, high levels of thermal insulation (140mm walls), passive solar energy use, natural ventilation strategies (cross and stack ventilation), material/cladding selection (Environmental Choice), onsite wastewater treatment, potable water collection and reticulation and prewire for PV solar installation.
- Location: Waipu, Whangarei District
- Type: New Build
- Floor Area: 164m2 (115m2 upper, 49m2 lower)
- Contractor: Clews Construction Ltd
- Completed: 2017
- Photography: Doug Pearson Photography



Products used in Two View House
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About the
Professional
At Jeff Brickell Architects, we are passionate about designing homes that harmonise with their surroundings and enhance the way people live. With over 20 years of expertise in new residential builds, we are proud to be New Zealand Registered Architects and an NZIA Registered Practice. Based in Whangarei, our design-focused practice emphasises a local approach, fostering strong, collaborative relationships with building professionals throughout Northland.
Environmental Design
We believe architecture should create healthy, comfortable living spaces that adapt to the climate and changing seasons. Our approach prioritises sustainability and energy efficiency, integrating passive solar design to harness natural light, warmth, cooling, and ventilation. We also design versatile outdoor areas that complement the building, offering spaces suited to different times of day and year for a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.
Quality Design
We recognise the deep connection between people’s needs and values in residential architecture. Our designs are tailored to meet individual requirements while reflecting personal ideals. We focus on innovative and smart design solutions that are both cost-effective and functional, ensuring that practicality and beauty are seamlessly integrated in every project. As a leading architectural practice based in Whangarei, we are dedicated to delivering quality design that enhances your living experience and fulfils your vision.
Site Specific Design
Our site-specific design approach begins with a comprehensive site analysis to uncover the unique opportunities each location presents. We meticulously evaluate factors such as sun exposure, wind patterns, views, privacy, and topography to maximize the potential of every site. Our architectural concepts are deeply rooted in this relationship with the environment, creating residential designs that enhance the connection between people, their homes, and the surrounding landscape.
- Year founded2003
- ArchiPro Member since2020
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